UMVA has learned that Karl Bushby, a 57-year-old adventurer, is facing a daunting challenge in his quest to complete a 27-year, 50,000km circumnavigation of the world on foot.
Karl, who set off from Chile in 1998 with the aim of returning to his hometown of Hull, has been trekking across the globe, but now finds himself needing to cross the English Channel. However, his request to walk through the Channel Tunnel has been denied by Eurotunnel.
Eurotunnel's decision has left Karl with the prospect of having to swim across the channel, a daunting task he has previously joked about, saying he would rather take hostages than swim. The thought of braving the cold waters of the English Channel is not one Karl takes lightly, having already completed impressive swims, including a 170-mile swim across the Caspian Sea.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Karl had hoped to walk through the Channel Tunnel to arrive on UK soil for the first time in 28 years. He expressed his gratitude to Eurotunnel for reviewing his request and remains hopeful that a solution can be found to allow him to complete his journey without having to swim.
Karl's incredible journey has spanned over two decades, taking him through numerous countries and terrains. He has relied on the assistance of many people, organizations, and governments along the way, and now seeks the help of Eurotunnel to complete the final few miles of his journey.
A Eurotunnel spokesperson explained that the company's primary concern is the safety of its passengers, staff, and infrastructure. The spokesperson stated that closing the Service Tunnel for an extended period would pose a safety risk to passenger services and impact essential maintenance work.
Despite this setback, Karl remains determined to complete his journey. He is currently taking a break in Mexico, but is under 1,000 kilometres from the finish line. With his sights set on Hull, Karl is eager to finally complete his epic trek and return home.
