MATTAPOISETT — Word got out about a month ago that 88-year-old Brad Hathaway was set to finish up a goal of walking the equivalent to a trip around the world — 24,901 miles — on Oct 3. 

And the story began to spread. Fast. 

All the publications in the South Coast? Yes. Boston? Of course. Providence? Makes sense. South Carolina? Umm sure. South Dakota? Wait— Alabama? Washington State? The UK? Spain? Australia? India? 

“It’s unreal,” the Mattapoisett native said about his amazement of how far his journey has reached. “I’m stunned, wouldn’t you be?”

His daily, 3-mile journey to his round-the-world goal has has taken on many different meanings for Hathaway. 

At first, it was a way to stay healthy.

After finding him at risk for heart disease and diabetes, a doctor advised Brad in December 1988 to get more exercise. As a result, he began to walk daily, weather permitting, covering at least three miles on most outings. 

Since then, he’s been logging his miles down to the quarter mile. 

In the run-up to the magic number, Hathaway decided to use it to make an impact. A founding member of the Mattapoisett Land Trust, he is using the momentous occasion to raise money for the Trust to make up for lost fundraising due to coronavirus cancellations. 

“It’s tremendous,” Land Trust President Mike Hugenin said. “It’s especially good in a year with the loss of event income.”

With the fundraiser, Hathaway is looking to preserve the land around Aucoot Road, a place where he lives and walks, and where his family roots can be traced back to the Mayflower. 

“I’m in love with Aucoot, and I’m in love with rural America,” he said. 

In January of this year, Hathaway was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. 

“I thought to myself, ‘I’ll never make it,”’ he said. 

He records his miles on a calendar, and it shows that the diagnosis hit Hathaway hard. February was sparse in his mileage log, but “now I’m being driven.” He hasn’t missed a day of walking since mid-May, even with having to use a walker now instead of his trusty walking staff. 

As the end of Hathaway's epic walk nears, the news has spread by way of a wire service UPI and a syndicated broadcast report. As a result, the walker has heard from some long-lost connections.

After being picked up on a news wire, and having a broadcast segment on him syndicated around the country, long-lost connections have reached out to offer support.

Formerly the features editor for the The Standard-Times, Hathaway briefly worked with a reporter named Van Gordon Sauter. At the time, the two worked as reporters. Sauter stuck around for less than two years before moving on.

While Hathaway rose through the ranks, the two lost touch.

But because of this story’s breadth, Hathaway received a note in the mail from Sauter, the first time they touched base in 60 years. He found out that the once-reporter went on to be the President of CBS and Fox News.

The plot twist to this reconnection? Sauter lived in Mattapoisett with his wife during his time at the Standard-Times. Specifically, he lived in the apartment that is now the home of the Land Trust’s former president and current treasurer, Gary Johnson. 

“I mean it’s crazy,” Hathaway said, noting that Sauter's donation will be mailed to the same house that he once occupied. 

Along with notes from friends, Hathaway has received t-shirts, a safety vest and other gifts, such a full line of clothes from First Citizens Federal Credit Union. 

Through the entirety of his walks and the attention received from it, Hathaway's late wife, Priscilla, has been on his mind. 

The two used to walk together until her passing in 2019. 

“I’ll never forget those memories in time,” Hathaway said. “I think those memories keep me going.” 

Brad met Priscilla on the first day of his senior year of high school in Fairhaven, and the rest is history.

“Although I am dedicating this final mile to the Mattapoisett Land Trust, in my heart, I am also dedicating it to my late wife, Priscilla, who walked hundreds of miles with me over many years and whose love for Aucoot is legend.” 

The Mattapoisett Land Trust will hold a celebration for Hathaway as he walks his last mile on Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. He will walk from the intersection of Bowman and Aucoot Road, and end at his home at 87 Aucoot Road. 

For the event on Oct. 3, Hathaway stressed that supporters obey social distancing rules and face mask requirements.

Hugenin said that people are encouraged to park their cars on the side of Aucoot Road or in the Aucoot Beach parking lot and cheer Hathaway on rather than walking with him. 

Donate to Brad Hathaway’s fund here, or mail directly to the Mattapoisett Land Trust at P.O. Box 31, Mattapoisett, MA.