Mark completes his 1,000 mile challenge in less than 50 days

As reported earlier this month, Mark Freemantle, 61, decided that he wanted to complete a 1,000 mile walk around his village within 50 days for the charity, which is close to Mark’s heart, as his mother and sister-in-law are both living with dementia.

Although Mark walked six laps of the village each day (around 20 miles), last Wednesday he decided to walk 50 miles in a single day, which took 12 and a half hours over a 19 hour period.

Mark’s extra efforts have meant that he ended up completing his challenge in 47 days rather than 50.

In the meantime, Mark has smashed his £1,000 fundraising target, with over £1,300 plus Gift Aid being raised online through the Just Giving website.

Further funds have been collected in tins in local village shops, and these will be added in the coming days.

After completing the final few miles of his challenge at the weekend, Mark told the Leader: “I’m a bit thinner and my feet and legs need a bit of a rest, but I’m already thinking ‘what next?’

“I would like give my personal thanks to Russell who walked up to five miles every day with me, Julie and Iain at Gillimans Store for their support, all my family, friends, neighbours and villagers for their generous donations and encouragement, and last but not least to my wife Amanda as I couldn’t have done it without her.

“This walk was for my Mum, and your loved ones.”

• Find out more, view photos, and donate at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-freemantle1