Elderly ex-soldier treks length of Britain for charity

A former paratrooper has walked the length of Britain in honour of Help for Heroes.

David Page, aged 72, took on the 1,183 feat to raise money for the charity, which supports soldiers injured on duty, the North Wales Weekly News reports.

It took him 55 days to complete the marathon and Mr Page says he was in a lot of pain when it came to the end of the challenge, particularly on his feet.

A highlight of his journey was arriving in Wootton Bassett, known as the town where many repatriations have been held and supported by locals.

"I went into a pub and a lady dressed in black came up to me and made a donation in memory of her son," the grandfather says.

The trek took him from John O'Groats to Land's End and Mr Page claims his hardest time was being on the North Yorkshire Moors in strong wind and cold conditions, where he had to spend the night.

Those participating in a beer and walking festival this weekend in Bristol (June 17th-19th) might take some tips from the elderly man when heading out on their ramble.

Posted by Samantha Thompson