
When those of us who were lucky enough to start opening our advent calendars on 1st December 2023, Jordan Kealey and his dog, Shyla, started their 175-day walking challenge to raise money for Crewe Men in Sheds and the RSPCA.
They set off from Nantwich, heading to Bournemouth, starting an anticlockwise journey around the entirety of the UK coastline. Jordan has now reached Withernsea, heading up the East Coast, and shares some of his story.
“I suppose to cut a long story short I’m supporting Crewe Men’s Shed because they were suggested by my mother when I came up with this idea of walking the coast. Once I met Graham, Simon and the team, I learnt more about the fantastic work they’ve done and the non-stop work around the clock that they’re doing just to keep the place running. I fell in love with them and knew in my heart that they were the perfect cause to support and represent. In the future I’d like to even steal the idea of Men in Sheds and create something for the younger generation as I feel like there’s a lot that our youths can learn from such a fantastic programme.
I chose the RSPCA for Shyla (my dog) to represent as with the banning of the XL bully breed comes into fruition, they are going to be struggling a lot with rehoming and even having to euthanise many innocent pooches. Shyla is a heavily reactive dog on her own but I am determined to show the worl
d that there is no such thing as a bad dog, just bad owners. I truly believe that if Shyla would’ve ended up in the hands of a less competent owner, then she would’ve had to be euthanised herself by now. But as we venture on this journey her behaviour is improving day by day as everywhere we go there are things in the environment that test her reactivity, but with a strong will and plenty of patience I’m determined to support her past it, just as can be done with any dog. No “bad dog” needs to die, they just need to be guided in the right way and dealt with correctly to improve their behaviour.
The trip so far has been challenging, humbling and full of obstacles. However, thanks to people’s generosity, hospitality and support it’s becoming easier day by day. The only difficulty I’m truly facing is finding the money to feed myself on the journey but thanks to people’s generosity we’re managing to get by pretty well. It’s both a mental challenge as well as physical but there’s one key lesson my Grandpa taught me as a kid that has kept me going through it all. This being that “there is no such thing as can’t” meaning there’s nothing that we can’t do. No obstacle we can’t overcome or challenge we can’t face and this teaching becomes more relevant day by day.
Truth be told I’m loving this little adventure, I’m poorer than I’ve ever been, no longer have a place to call home or even a job to get back to when I’m finished. But I’m having the time of my life, I’ve met some people I’ll truly never forget and been welcomed with open arms almost every place I’ve step foot in. To top it all off I’ve got my best friend by my side every step of the way wagging her tail and even protecting me when I’m peeing in the night. I’m truly blessed to be having this experience and I don’t think there’s much else I can say about it.”
Graham and Simon from Crewe Men in Sheds said “When Jordan approached us to say he wanted to do a coast to coast walk to raise money for Crewe Men In Sheds and the RSPCA, we couldn’t believe that someone would be prepared to take so much time out of his life to help us. Of course, we accepted his generous offer and support him 100%. This is why we approached UKMSA to highlight his walk hoping that our fellow Shedders up and down the country could perhaps, if Jordan is in their area, they could make him welcome with a cuppa and biscuits etc, even perhaps help to raise money for his causes.
Now how does it help us at Crewe? Firstly the money raised will help towards keeping us open and pay towards the bills, upkeep of machinery etc. It also puts a spotlight on the good work done at the Shed locally. We are attracting on average 3 new members a week at present. Thank goodness they don’t all attend at the same time! It proves that the need for Men in Sheds is a godsend not only locally but nationwide. The local community all do their best to help us with donations, monetary, goods, tea, coffee biscuits etc. All this helps us tremendously. It gives the men and women a safe place to come to talk and have a brew. We always say we will not turn anyone away if they need us. We try our utmost to support them.”
If you’re a Shed near the coast and would like to offer a cup of tea, a meal, or some practical support for Jordan and Shyla, as he continues on his journey, please email laura.winkley@ukmsa.org.uk for Jordan’s contact details.
Jordan has fashioned himself a walking stick and would especially like help with sanding and varnishing it to survive the elements.
You can follow Jordan on his journey on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook by looking for @TheWalkingPleb.
For links to either follow Jordan on social media, donate to Crewe Men in Sheds, RSPCA or donate food money, visit https://linktr.ee/thewalkingpleb