DAD Paul Whiteford is a month into a charity trek to raise money for the new Julia's House Children's hospice in Devizes.

Mr Whiteford, 40, a mechanic from Upavon is no stranger to long distance challenges and is relishing walking from Lands End to John O'Groats.

He thinks it will take him about another six weeks to complete his hike of nearly 1,300 miles that he is doing unsupported.

He is inspired to raise money for the charity by his own two daughters aged five and two. He said: "I am very honoured to be raising money for Julia's House Children's Hospice, it is such a worthwhile cause which makes a huge difference to the many families they support.

"Some people have described this challenge as crazy, if not for the distance but for the fact that I'll be away from my family for over two months. It goes without saying I will miss them all immensely, however with thanks to today's technology they are only a phone call away."

He thanked everyone who has supported and encouraged him and says he enjoys the challenge and endurance needed to complete the walk. He said: " Over the past few decades I have had a great deal of enjoyment taking on personal challenges.

"This particular challenge is something I've wanted to do for a long time, certainly since cycling it in the opposite direction with a good friend several years ago also as a fundraiser.

"This is a self supported challenge and I will be camping, hostelling and bothying in a basic shelter for people to use free of charge, no need to book, just turn up and sleep. This will be particularly inviting after an arduous days winter hiking

So far he is 30 per cent of the way towards his £5,000 target having raised £1,535 on justgiving. To boost his fundraising go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-whiteford1