A poet has started his 1,000 mile journey walking barefoot to raise money and awareness for underprivileged children.

Philip Wells set up the Barefoot Billion campaign, which has raised £3,500 so far and will donate to three charities – Consortium for Street Children, the only global network focused exclusively on supporting street connected children; Ocean Stars Trust, which works to relieve suffering among disadvantaged people in Sri Lanka by providing them with the necessary skills to rebuild their shattered lives, following natural disasters; and Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity working in some of the most remote regions in Africa and Asia.

Mr Wells’ campaign is named after the billion children living in poverty in the world.

The 51-year-old, of West Ealing, started his adventure at St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, on Tuesday last week (April 22), and aims to finish on August 15 in South Anglesey, Wales, at an average of about 10 miles a day.

The walker, who has lived in Mattock Lane for 15 years, is going to try and break the world record for the longest walk barefoot, which is currently 1,400km.

He said: “Being barefoot connects you to the landscape and makes you stronger. You do not have to walk far to discover that it’s an absolute joy.

“It makes people think about the children who do not have the choice whether to wear shoes or not. It’s making people think and give. It was my idea, but lots of people have come into it, which is great.”

At least 300 schools in more than 50 countries are involved in the project, all doing mini barefoot walks to help raise awareness for children who cannot go to school.

Mr Wells, who runs poetry therapy workshops with disabled children, will visit 11 schools on his way and will stay in youth hostels, B&Bs and with friends.

He said: “My younger sister Caroline walked with me for the first three days across Hadrian’s Wall. My wife Elizabeth has been worried but brilliant. She said I will look back on this as a time of madness and sanity.”

For more information, see www.barefootbillion.com and to make a £3 donation, text STEP to 70111.