'My heart is broken': Ex-paratrooper Chris Lewis pays tribute to dog who joined 17,000-mile trek around UK's coastline

An ex-paratrooper who walked the UK's entire coastline for charity has paid tribute to the dog who joined him on his journey.

Chris Lewis spent six years on his hike and adopted dog Jet during his mission. He announced the death of his "most loving friend" at the weekend.

Mr Lewis and Jet's 17,000-mile journey came to an end last July, in the same spot where it started, on Llangennith beach in Swansea.

They raised over half a million pounds for the charity SSAFA, which provides practical and financial support to armed forces personnel, veterans and their families.

Mr Lewis told Sky News at the time that he felt "proud" to have undertaken the challenge, which saw him build a family along the way.

'My heart is broken'

Writing on his Facebook page Wilderness Family on Sunday, Mr Lewis said there were "simply no words" to hide his devastation after losing Jet.

He said his pet was his "shadow" who left behind "a legacy few ever have".

"I have lost the dearest, most loving friend anyone could ask for," Mr Lewis said.

"My heart is broken and a void shall remain that can never be filled."

Mr Lewis added he and his family will "live happy healthy lives as she would have wanted".

"Goodbye Jet, wait for me on the other side please," his tribute added.

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One of the obstacles during Mr Lewis' journey around the UK's coast with Jet was the COVID lockdown, which he spent on an uninhabited Scottish island.

Thousands of people followed their journey on social media - and even royalty expressed their support.

The King sent a letter to congratulate Mr Lewis on his "highly commendable achievement and inspiring journey".