Nick Sant, a member of the grounds team at Cofton Holidays, Dawlish, set off from Minehead, Somerset, on the 29th of August to walk the entire 630 mile South West Coast Path. Nick’s adventure raised over £4,275 for Cofton’s 2026 charity partner, Children’s Hospice South West. After weeks of long days on the trail, he finally concluded the full 630 miles on Tuesday 29th of September.
Nick reached Dawlish on Wednesday 23 September with 507 miles behind him. Friends, colleagues and local residents gathered at Cockwood Harbour to cheer Nick on and join him for a well-earned drink or two. After a night in his own bed, he stopped by Cofton Holidays for a hearty cooked breakfast and encouragement from his team before setting off again. He then took the ferry from Starcross to Exmouth to begin the final 123-mile stretch to South Haven Point in Dorset, where he completed the walk exactly one month after setting off.
Nick has stayed in B&Bs and hostels along the route, averaging around 20 miles a day despite wet and windy weather and blistered feet. He has met people from the United States, Canada and across Europe, some of whom donated after hearing about his challenge. Nick named Tintagel as his favourite place so far and the fish and chips in Salcombe as his best dinner, although Cornish pasties have kept him going for much of the walk.
Nick said: “It was brilliant to come through Dawlish and see so many familiar faces cheering me on. Getting to sleep in my own bed was a treat. The support from friends, colleagues and people I’ve met along the path has kept me going. I’m amazed by how much everyone has donated.”
Nick’s friend Richy has shared regular progress updates with the local community, while his Cofton colleague Angela has kept followers on his JustGiving page up to date. Their updates have helped supporters follow Nick’s journey and turn out to welcome him as he passed through Cockwood. Nick also called in at Children’s Hospice South West’s Teignmouth branch as he passed through the town.
Cofton Holidays Director Roger Jeffery said: “We’re all incredibly proud of Nick. Walking more than 600 miles to support a charity that means a great deal to us is an extraordinary achievement. It was great to see the community turn out for him when he passed through Starcross. Cofton is a family business, and it’s amazing when members of the team achieve incredible things to support our shared aims.
We’re delighted by the total so generously donated for Children’s Hospice South West.”
Nick has raised over £4,305 for Children’s Hospice South West, exceeding his original fundraising target. The charity provides respite, palliative, end-of-life and bereavement care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the South West.
Donations can still be made at Nicholas Sant is fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West.
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