Kilmington resident Judith Simpson feels so strongly about the need to raise climate change on the global agenda that she has put other aspects of her life on hold for 30 days and is walking 432 miles to Glasgow for the COP26 international climate change conference.

Targeting 16 to 18 miles a day, Judith set off today (Friday) and hoped to arrive in Glasgow in time for the start of the conference in a month's time, on November 1.

She plans to travel the entire way by foot, keeping Co2 emissions to a minimum.

COP26 is a crucial international conference that was initially due to be held in November 2020, but was postponed by because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But unlike the conference and many other cancelled events, climate change marches on, with gardeners, growers, allotment holders and farmers in the local area facing the challenges of the recent growing seasons – hot and dry, cold and wet, more frequent and record breaking extremes of weather, and not forgetting the flooding problems some have had to deal with.

A growing number of Kilmington villagers and some local businesses have maintained, even increased, efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, all in line with the aim of COP26 to limit the rise in global temperature warming to 1.5 degrees by 2050.

Judith said: "For the continuing welfare of my children, grandchildren, future generations and all life on the planet, I want to raise this issue, locally, nationally and globally. The time is now and I am voting with my feet!"

Many of Judith's friends and neighbours suggested getting sponsors for this amazing adventure and Judith has chosen to support a local mental health charity Arc Axminster.

Judith, a retired mental health professional, feels strongly about the subject and also sees the impact of climate change anxiety, anger and depression in the population at large.

You can sponsor Judith and show your support for Climate Change via her JustGiving page