Glen Hill-Willis finds motivation in offering support and encouragement to other participants.

Glen Hill-Willis, a 70-something Auckland walker, is a man of many hats – not to mention many coffees, cafes, and kilometres. A stalwart of the Walk1200km Facebook group, his post photos sport his charming smile, a dapper cap and invariably not only his huge enthusiasm for his daily walks (and the sights and scenes), but his support of others.

Glen is a former competitive swimmer, runner and cyclist and considers himself a self-driven person. But it’s not all about individual accomplishment. In his former corporate career, Glen says, “I very much wanted my department to be as good as it could be so that by encouragement, our whole department did well.”

Likewise, it’s the sense of community in the group and the commitment to helping others achieve that ticks his boxes: “Post retirement, it gives me the opportunity to inspire, encourage and radiate happiness to others – I like to do that.”

Initially, he took on the Walk1200km challenge intending to finish it and move on but to his surprise he is keeping at it.

“I’ve changed actually, because it feels like a bit of a family, and I’m amazed and delighted that people like my posts. I like to give compliments to people who have had a setback or a few days out and say, ‘Look – times will get better! Tomorrow’s another day!’ So I don’t think I’m going anywhere soon.”

Hats off to you Glen!