The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop has announced a special guest event taking place on Sunday 11 August 2025, as Chris Lewis – the man who walked the entire UK coastline – shares his remarkable story of transformation, resilience and adventure.
A former paratrooper, Chris struggled with severe anxiety and depression, often shutting himself away for weeks. But in summer 2017, a moment of clarity while surfing inspired him to take on a challenge that would change his life forever.
On 1 August 2017, with just £10 in his pocket, a borrowed tent and a broken pair of boots, Chris set off to walk the entire UK coastline to raise funds for the veterans’ charity SSAFA. What started as an impulsive act soon became a life-changing journey. Nine months in, he was joined by Jet, the dog who would become his loyal companion.
Over the next few years, Chris endured hunger, injury, storms and solitude. He famously spent three months alone on the uninhabited island of Hildasay, with no running water, electricity or shelter – but it was here, in one of the UK’s wildest corners, that he rediscovered pride, purpose and hope.
Chris’s journey took another unexpected turn when he met Kate, a fellow adventurer. She left her old life behind to join him full-time on the walk. Their son, Magnus, was born along the way, and together, they completed the journey in July 2023 with a crowd of supporters and over £500,000 raised for charity.
Now known as the Wilderness Family, the trio have embarked on a new mission – cycling and hiking 8,000 miles along the Atlantic Coast of Europe, this time raising funds for Make A Wish UK.
Chris will appear at the Army Flying Museum to deliver a powerful and inspiring talk about his experiences, challenges, and the life he’s built along the way.
When & Where
- Event date: Sunday 11 August 2025
- Venue: Army Flying Museum, Middle Wallop
For tickets and more information, visit www.armyflying.com/what-s-on.