An armour-clad ‘Strolling Saxon’ is preparing to walk 210 miles from Chichester to Rye in just 10 days, raising money for charities across Sussex along the way.

Gav Collins will begin his journey on October 10 as part of the Godwinson Challenge 2026, following the Sussex coastline in a nod to the events of 1066.

The challenge is named after King Harold Godwinson, who was killed at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Gav, who is recovering from injuries sustained during a car crash in December 2023, was told in hospital that he would never walk again.

An armour-clad ‘Strolling Saxon’ is preparing to walk 210 miles from Chichester to Rye in just 10 days, raising money for charities across Sussex along the way. Photo: The Strolling Saxon.

placeholder image — An armour-clad ‘Strolling Saxon’ is preparing to walk 210 miles from Chichester to Rye in just 10 days, raising money for charities across Sussex along the way. Photo: The Strolling Saxon.

He suffered injuries including nerve damage to the left side of his body and an unstable spine.

Since then, he has worked to regain his ability to walk and is now preparing to take on the 210-mile journey.

His motto for the challenge is: “I walk for those less fortunate than myself.”

The route will take Gav along the Sussex coastline which, according to the story behind the challenge, was mocked by the Normans as territory King Harold had failed to defend.

Gav will be raising money for Trussell Trust food banks across Sussex, as well as the Knights Foundation for the Homeless and Harborside Gymnastics in Newhaven.