A MAN has taken on a mammoth challenge walking from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for two charities close to his heart.
Alan King, 72, from Kirkby Stephen, is taking on the challenge to raise money for Eden Animal Rescue and The Royal Marines Charity, he began the trek on Friday, April 1 and he is due to complete his journey on Friday, June 24.
A JustGiving page has been set up and so far Alana has raised £884.
Alan said this is something he has wanted to do for many years, first thinking about the idea in his mid-40s. Alan said: "Now is the time to do it and I thought as I am going to do it, it would be a good idea to raise money for charity."
When he was younger, Alan was a reservist in the Royal Marines and he has remained a member of the Royal Marines Association ever since. he said: "I thought it would be good to raise some money for them so that they can use the money to look after injured veterans and also the bereaved families of people killed in action."
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The other charity Alan will be raising money for is Eden Animal Rescue. In 2020, Alan's dog died and a friend of his recommended that he should start volunteering as a dog walker and has done ever since. Alan said: "It is an absolute delight, Eden Animal Rescue do such a fantastic job and I thought it would be nice to raise some money for them as well."
Alan is currently in Wales and is expected to pass through Cumbria over the next few days, each day Alan will be walking around six hours a day until he gets to his next destination, he said: "Although I have done a lot of preparation for it, it's not the same as actually doing it. I have had one very long wet day and one very grim day."
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On his journey, Alan met 80s children's presenter Timmy Mallet on the Severn Bridge. Timmy is currently taking part in his own challenge riding around the UK to raise money for charity.
Alan said: "He gave me a sticker, asked me to sign his notebook and asked me for a selfie. I thought nice man I don't know who he is but nice man to later find out it was Timmy Mallet."
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