Maya Gilbert completes 2,700-mile walk for Hospitality Action

Hospitality veteran Maya Gilbert has completed her 2,700-mile trek along the English coastal path to fundraise for Hospitality Action.

Gilbert arrived back at Liverpool Docks on Saturday 4 October, 120 days after setting off from nearby Seacombe Ferry Port, Birkenhead on the ‘All the Way Around’ challenge.

At the time of writing, Gilbert had raised £12,667. She had aimed to cover 22.5 miles per day but when The Caterer caught up with her last month she reported some difficulties in late July and early August, and had to catch up the distance, walking a minimum of 30 miles per day.

Despite having to switch the finish line from Liverpool Ferry Terminal to Madre bar restaurant on the docks due to Storm Amy, Gilbert finished the anti-clockwise six-month route around the English coast on time.

She took on the challenge as she has been working in the hospitality sector, across bars, pubs, hotels, restaurants, yachts and in the private sector, for 16 years, and she wanted to prove to herself that “I could do something big on my own after a period of pretty poor mental health”.

“When Covid happened, I’d just launched my catering company, which meant I didn’t qualify for furlough or a bounce-back loan and that took a toll on my mental health,” she said.

“Hospitality Action was there when I needed it. I felt drained by the 24-hour news cycle that we have come to expect, by the negativity on social media and the constant political wrangling, and it all led to me feeling quite unhappy. I’d forgotten the parts of day-to-day life that I love, such as nature and the countryside, and I desperately wanted to re-engage with that.”

The hospitality industry helped Gilbert along during the challenge, with many venues giving her free rooms and meals, as well as individuals opening their homes to her.

Hospitality Action’s chief executive, Mark Lewis, said: “We are truly inspired by Maya Gilbert and her incredible ‘All the Way Around’ challenge. Walking the entire 2,700-mile English coastal path is an extraordinary accomplishment, but raising just under £15,000, including gift aid, so far for Hospitality Action shows just how committed she is to supporting our community. 

“Along the way, Maya has discovered the spirit of hospitality in the most unexpected places, highlighting the warmth and generosity that define our industry. Her journey not only raises vital funds but also spotlights the positive impact that initiatives such as our Walk for Wellbeing this October can have on teams up and down the country. Maya’s determination and passion are a real inspiration to us all.” 

To sponsor Maya Gilbert, visit her JustGiving page.