AN armed forces veteran has walked the length of the country in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Ian Looker, originally from Orford but now living in Lincolnshire, trekked from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a gruelling 77-day challenge.

As if that was not enough, the 58-year-old also climbed the three peaks of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis en route in aid of Marie Curie.

His wife Anne was a Marie Curie nurse for more than 20 years before retiring, with the pair now both being volunteers for the charity.

The former St Andrew’s CE Primary School and Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School pupil, who served in the RAF before becoming an engineer, said: “I’ve always had it in my mind that I wanted to do a long distance walk, and to go from Land’s End to John O’Groats is an iconic walk.

“To do the three peaks as well just added a bit more difficulty to it.

Warrington Guardian:

“There were times when it was difficult, but you get used to the routine of getting up at 5am and walking until 5pm.

“You haven’t got a lot to think about, which makes life a lot simpler.

“But it’s not too good when it’s pouring down with rain or snowing, so I was glad to be finishing by the end.”

Ian has so far raised more than £1,600 for the charity.

But he is hoping the final total will reach £1 for each of the 2,142 kilometres he walked over the space of more than two months.

He was joined by family members still living in Warrington for the leg of the route from Frodsham to Preston Brook.

Ian added: “The walk took me through town, going along Bridge Foot and Sankey Valley Park.

“I left Warrington when I was 18 to go to university, so it brought back memories from my childhood.

“I’ve raised a pound for every mile so far, but I’d like to raise a pound for every kilometre if I can.

“It’s a great charity, and a lot of people don’t realise the work that they do.”

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