TOWN Cllr Sean Pringle-Kosikowsky is hoping to dip his toes in the sea on opposite sides of the country next month to raise funds for ‘two causes that hold a special place in my heart’.

Cllr Pringle-Kosikowsky aims to walk the 84-mile length of Hadrian’s Wall and raise £750 for the South West Heritage Trust and MIND in Somerset.

The Star Wars enthusiast will start his endurance feat at 6 am on June 1 with a paddle in the North Sea in Tynemouth, on the east coast, which is actually five miles away from Hadrian’s Wall.

But, he said: “I do not want to give up my first opportunity of physically walking from coast to coast.

“Then, an estimated four to 10 days walk across the country until I can dip my toe in the Irish Sea at Bowness on Solway, on the west coast.”

A view of a section of Hadrian's Wall which Wellington town Cllr Sean Pringle-Kosikowsky plans to walk.
A view of a section of Hadrian's Wall which Wellington town Cllr Sean Pringle-Kosikowsky plans to walk. ( )

Cllr Pringle-Kosikowsky, who is manager of the Museum of Somerset, in Taunton, and is chairman of Wellington Film Festival, said it had always been a wish to walk Hadrian’s Wall despite previously never having walked for more than a day.

He said: “In the South West, we have unearthed amazing objects that tell the story of Roman Britain, but none as iconic as Hadrian’s Wall.

“Ever since watching Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, over and over again, I knew one day I wished to make it to the wall, sadly now without the Sycamore Gap tree.

“I aim to not be beholden to an itinerary, emails, or timeframe, while hoping to take moments of creative inspiration and thought along the way, and for the 89 miles of walking, come closer to the beauty and majesty of nature.

“Attempting something much greater than I have before, and without having a designated timeframe to be pressured by, will in itself be a monumental experience that I am looking for and become a legendary story in my own humble history.

Wellington town Cllr Sean Pringle-Kosikowsky with his son Robin.
Wellington town Cllr Sean Pringle-Kosikowsky with his son Robin. ( )

“I would classify myself as neither fit nor unfit, just a regular 43-year-old dad and husband.”

Cllr Pringle-Kosikowsky said supporting local history and mental health were two very different issues, but ‘they represent the stories of individuals and communities’.

He said: “Both deserve to be looked after and treasured.

“By contributing to this campaign, you will be helping the South West Heritage Trust preserve our rich local history, ensuring that future generations can learn from the past and tell its stories through places like the Museum of Somerset.

“At the same time, your generosity will aid MIND Somerset in its vital work promoting mental health awareness and providing support for those in need.

“Your donation, no matter how small, will have a profound impact on these organisations and the lives they touch.”

Hadrian’s Wall Path is one of 15 National Trails and follows the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Roman-built wall from coast to coast separating England from Scotland, the largest surviving Roman monument in northern Europe.

Anybody who wants to support Cllr Pringle-Kosikowsky’s fund-raising can visit his JustGiving page.