A DUO from Southend are walking a mammoth 679 miles to raise money for charity.

Mark Cundy and Lucas Colyer, from Westcliff and Shoebury respectively, are currently walking from Berlin to London for Children in Need.

They started at the Brandenburg Gate, in the German capital, on September 23, and have been posting vlogs, ‘video logs’ on their website, as they walk across Germany, France, Netherlands and England.

Mark, 53 and Lucas, 22, are due to finish outside Buckingham Palace on Saturday November 16.

The pair, close family friends, have a track record for walking challengers, having walked 210 miles from Prague to Berlin, raising £2000 for children’s hospices.

Lucas, who works as a semi-professional photographer, has suffered with severe joint pain throughout his life and walked through immense pain during the previous walk, is determined to complete the ‘BERLON’ challenge. He said: “I know what it’s like to go through a hard time when you’re supposed to be having a carefree childhood.

“I was bullied continuously at school which left me very low.

“I turned my life around and achieved a black belt in goju ryu karate.

“That’s why I wanted to do this walk for Children in Need.”

Mark, who has completed several large scale walks across Europe, Australia and the USA before, wasn’t sure if his legs “were still up to it.”

Mr Cundy, a published author, said that the loss of family members prompted his charity efforts last year and for Children in Need this time around. He said: “I’ve walked literally thousands of miles over the years, for some great charities.

“It’s hard going sometimes, but I do enjoy it! We are looking forward to seeing new places, people and doing our bit for the charity.”

Bonnie Colyer, Lucas’ mum, told the Echo that she is thinking of them everyday. The 44-year-old, said: “I’m so proud of them both.

“I’m worried about them all the time. All the family and friends are so proud, especially Mark’s mum Doreen.

“They received a good luck message from Stephen Fry, which was really nice.”

You can follow the adventure via their website: www.MarkandLucas.com