VETERAN fundraiser Alan Blake has been given some civic support in his marathon project to raise £100,000 for local charities.

Taking inspiration from Captain Tom, who raised millions for NHS charities, Alan, who is 89, is aiming to complete a 15-mile challenge to raise funds for the parish church of Burghill, Rotary and Parkinson’s – but all without leaving his garden.

He will navigate a circular walk around his steep garden steps 458 times, which will be the equivalent of walking from Hereford to Lyde then Moreton on Lugg, Burghill, Tillington, Stretton Sugwas and back to his family home in Hampton Park.

Alan began his challenge on October 1 and, in climbing the 120 circular steps around his garden on a daily basis since then, he has climbed the equivalent of the Blorenge, the Sugar Loaf, the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons and Cader Idris and is now heading for Snowdon, Ben Nevis and beyond.

READ MORE:

So far, he has climbed 4,954 steps.

On Saturday, Alan gained the backing of Hereford’s first citizen when the city’s mayor, Councillor Kath Hey, along with Junior Mayor, Theo Ashton joined him on a circuit.

“In representing Hereford City Council, we take pride in our work with our communities and local people,” said Cllr Hey.

“The Junior Mayor and I were delighted were to accompany Alan on one of his garden circuit walks in support of his fundraising endeavours.

“Alan’s determination and efforts are truly impressive and inspirational.”

If you would like to make a donation and help support Alan’s determination to take on something this energetic for his 90th year then please go to justgiving page https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/louise-blake-1?utm_id=1&utm_term=ra8b9x6j6