MID Devon resident Corinne Waterfield (60), who undertook to walk the South West Coast Path in memory of her stepson, Wellington (“Welly”) Cumberland, who died by suicide four years ago, has successfully completed her challenge.

She said: “We Finished! After 60 days, 630 miles, countless cliffs, heatwaves, blisters, early starts, late finishes, and every kind of weather the coast could throw at us — we reached South Haven Point and completed the South West Coast Path.

Corinne Waterford, left with Active Mid Devon Crediton fitness consultant Laura Jonckheere. AQ 2791
Corinne Waterford, left with Active Mid Devon Crediton fitness consultant Laura Jonckheere training before her walk. AQ 2791 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“The final steps were taken with the sun on our faces, waves at our feet, and an unexpected crowd of friends cheering, tooting, waving bunting, popping champagne and handing me a cold Diet Coke. I’ll never forget that moment.

“This has been a journey of love, grit, friendship, and purpose. Welly has been with me every single mile — on my shoulder, in my heart, and in the reason I kept going. Together, we’ve raised vital funds for CALM and walked in his honour from Minehead all the way to the very end of Dorset.

To everyone who walked with me, supported me, fed me, lifted me, transported me, encouraged me, and believed in me — thank you. We did it.”

Corinne began her walk on April 30.

Although Corinne walked the path herself, she was clear that the challenge was very much a team effort. Friends, family and supporters helped with logistics, transport, accommodation, and daily check‑ins, while hundreds more followed her updates online.

“The encouragement, the comments, the messages — they really helped,” she said. “Some days were incredibly tough, and knowing people are walking with me in spirit makes a huge difference.”

During the walk Corinne’s wife, Louise Cumberland, added: “This walk is an act of love, remembrance and determination. Welly was deeply loved, and Corinne is carrying that love with her every step.”

CALM provides free, confidential support to people in crisis and campaigns nationally to challenge stigma around suicide. Corinne said she hoped her walk would spark conversations as well as raise funds.

“Suicide affects every community, including ours,” she said. “If sharing this journey helps even one person feel less alone, it will have been worth it.”

If you would like to support Corinne, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/walkingwithpurpose