Edinburgh man walks every Capital street to raise thousands for mental health charity

An Edinburgh man has raised thousands for a mental health charity after spending lockdown walking every street in the Capital.

Gary Wicksted has pounded the pavements of every one of the Capital’s 4841 roads, streets and paths for the last year as he raised cash for the Anna Burnett Trust.

The 39-year-old took on the street trek in a bid to keep fit last March and finally completed the challenge by walking along the city’s George Street on Saturday afternoon.

Gary, a research science manager with a pharma company, believes the feat has taken up 1000 hours of his time and he has walked around 2000 miles.

Gary Wicksted has pounded the pavements of every one of the capital’s 4841 roads, streets and paths for the last year as he raised cash for the Anna Burnett Trust.

The challenge has also raised more than £2500 for the charity which aims to advance art and design opportunities for young people while supporting their mental health.

Gary, from East Craigs, said: “I first started to complete my local area for my daily exercise when lockdown started and as it progressed I moved into other nearby areas. As lockdown continued for longer than expected the challenge just carried on. Once I got halfway I decided to do it for charity.

“The Anna Burnett Trust is incredibly close to me - Anna was an incredible influence in my life and a close friend. Her family have always been there for me and I’m very grateful to have completed the challenge for Anna and the charity.”

Gary said he has been walking five days a week to tick the last few hundred streets off.

Gary Wicksted finished his walking challenge in George Street, Edinburgh on Saturday.

He added: “A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far. I’m incredibly humbled by all the support.”

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