For most people, a walk around the block is enough of a challenge. But for Dickie Mackness, a retired man from Lower Swell near Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire, the idea of a stroll took on a whole new meaning – one that would stretch across two years, four nations, and nearly 3,714 miles of the United Kingdom’s coastline and countryside. His journey, which concluded on September 6, 2025, wasn’t just about the miles traversed, but about the memory of a young girl and the cause that inspired thousands along the way.
Mackness’s epic trek began as a tribute to Evie Dove, a 13-year-old from Kent who tragically died in 2022 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. The Evie Dove Foundation, established in her memory, aims to improve the lives of children with serious and long-term illnesses by funding specialist training for children’s healthcare professionals. According to BBC News, Mackness’s walk raised more than £15,000 for the charity, a sum that will go directly toward supporting healthcare workers across the UK.
Setting out with a simple but powerful mission, Mackness donned bright pink clothing – Evie’s favourite colour – and set his sights on the winding paths of England’s south coast, the rugged beauty of Wales, and the historic stretch of Hadrian’s Wall. The feat was not just a test of endurance, but a journey filled with unexpected twists, new friendships, and more than a few brushes with danger.
“This journey has been about so much more than miles – it’s been about courage, kindness, and community,” Mackness reflected as he crossed the finish line at The Big Coastal Walk in Hythe, Kent, an annual event hosted by The Evie Dove Foundation. “Walking in Evie’s name has been an honour, and I’m so proud to have played a part in helping the foundation continue its vital work.”
Along the way, Mackness encountered both the generosity of strangers and the harsh realities of the road. Donations poured in from people he met during his trek, as well as through his online fundraising page. Some gave spare change, others offered words of encouragement, but all seemed moved by the story of a man walking for a cause greater than himself. The journey, however, was far from easy. Mackness faced a series of daunting physical and mental challenges, including a serious fall that left him concussed on a cliff edge, a period marooned on the Isle of Skye, and a stubborn Achilles tendon injury that threatened to end his adventure prematurely.
Yet, in true British fashion, Mackness met adversity with a touch of humor and a lot of grit. “I just said ‘I’m going to complete this, even if it’s on my mother-in-law’s mobility scooter’,” he joked, according to BBC Gloucestershire. The image of a determined man in pink, refusing to quit, became a symbol of resilience for many following his progress online.
The finish line at Hythe, Kent, was more than a geographical milestone; it was the culmination of a journey marked by loss, hope, and the power of community. The Big Coastal Walk, where Mackness completed his odyssey, is an annual event that brings together supporters of The Evie Dove Foundation. This year, the crowd was especially emotional, knowing that Mackness’s two-year journey had finally come to an end.
Kelly Terranova, the foundation’s marketing manager, summed up the sentiment of many when she said, “His determination and resilience have been nothing short of inspiring, and his efforts have made a huge difference to the foundation.” She added that the organization was “in awe” of Mackness’s commitment, and that the funds he raised would be put to immediate and impactful use.
Since its launch, The Evie Dove Foundation has supported more than 180 healthcare workers across the UK, providing them with the specialist training needed to improve outcomes for children facing life-threatening or long-term illnesses. The foundation’s mission is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the best possible care, and that investing in the people who deliver that care is the surest way to make a difference.
Mackness’s walk has not only brought much-needed financial support to the foundation, but has also raised awareness of the challenges faced by families like the Doves. Evie’s story, though heartbreaking, has inspired countless acts of kindness and solidarity. The sight of Mackness walking in pink, braving the elements and overcoming injury, has become a rallying point for those who believe in the power of community action.
The route itself was as varied as the weather. From the white cliffs of Dover to the windswept shores of Wales and the ancient stones of Hadrian’s Wall, Mackness’s journey offered a panoramic view of the UK’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people. Each step was a reminder of Evie’s memory and the cause for which he walked.
But what kept Mackness going through the tough days? “There were moments when I thought I couldn’t go on,” he admitted, “but then I’d remember why I was doing this. Evie’s story, and the hope that we could help other children and their families, gave me the strength to keep moving.”
The funds raised by Mackness will go toward expanding the foundation’s training programs, ensuring that more healthcare professionals are equipped to provide the highest standard of care. The impact of this support is already being felt: since its inception, the foundation has helped over 180 healthcare workers, a number that will only grow thanks to Mackness’s efforts.
For the communities he passed through, Mackness became something of a local hero. Children waved banners, families offered cups of tea, and fellow walkers joined him for stretches of the journey. Social media buzzed with updates and photos, including one of Mackness smiling at Land’s End, pointing to a sign marked “Forever Evie.” The outpouring of support was a testament to the universal appeal of his mission.
As the dust settles and Mackness returns home, the legacy of his walk continues. The money raised will help train the next generation of children’s healthcare professionals, and the story of a man in pink walking for Evie will inspire others to take up their own causes, no matter how daunting the path ahead may seem.
In the end, Mackness’s journey was about more than just walking – it was about turning loss into hope, and miles into meaning. The finish line may have been at Hythe, but the impact of his steps will be felt for years to come.
