Head Chef at Salcombe Harbour Hotel is stepping out of the kitchen to walk 180miles of the South West Coastal Path for the Room to Reward charity.

Jamie Guilford is attempting a challenging and gruelling journey from Christchurch Harbour Hotel to his workplace in Devon, taking place over five days, from Monday, November 13.

Room to Reward is a hospitality charity that matches unsold hotel rooms with charity volunteers who deserve a few days of rest and relaxation.

On Monday, Jamie will set off after a restful night at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel, before walking to the Riviera Hotel in Weymouth, the Bull Hotel in Bridport, Sidmouth Harbour Hotel and the Imperial Hotel in Torquay, before finally arriving in Salcombe on Friday, November 17.

All the participating hotels have generously donated unsold rooms for Jamie to get some well deserved rest.

The chef who has worked at Salcombe Harbour Hotel for two years said: “I decided to undertake this challenge after I heard about Room to Reward.”

“The charity is something completely different as it rewards the volunteers and workers who do so much for charity.

“I don’t do anything by halves, so I went about trying to decide what would be sufficient enough to class as a real challenge for myself and really stand out. I think I’ve managed that!

“Originally, myself and Jason, the General Manager, were going to do it together but unfortunately, he has had to pull out due to an injury sustained during training.

“I am under no illusions that it is going to be difficult, but that is what it’s all about. I am hoping that this will be the first of many challenges.”

Room to Reward is the first charity initiative of its kind. Hotels donate their unsold rooms to provide nominated charity workers and volunteers with a complimentary break.

This allows charities to motivate, thank and contribute to the well-being of these invaluable individuals.

Charity Director of Room to Reward, Adam Terpening said: “We are hugely grateful to Jamie for both his support and his enthusiasm for the Room to Reward initiative.”

“The money raised will enable us to recognise more hidden heroes which is fantastic because, quite simply, the power of a thank you is untold. Our scheme is a simple one, but the impact it has on the charity sector is significant.

“It’s an honour to be able to do something that expresses our gratitude for the incredible work these amazing people do.”

They work with many registered charities including Mencap, Macmillan Caring, National Autistic Society, Maggie’s Cancer Centres, Hearing Dogs for Deaf people and Wales Air Ambulance.

The programme is supporting charities to give something back to key individuals who make such a difference to the lives of others.

To find out more and support Jamie on his venture, visit his Justgiving page.

If you would like to find out more about the ‘Room to Reward’ scheme you can visit www.roomtoreward.org or email Adam Terpening, Charity Director, at [email protected].