A FORMER CID chief who used to live in Stainforth set off from Land’s End in Cornwall last Tuesday on a two month, 1,000 mile walk to John O’Groats.

It is the third - and he says last - time Tony Hennigan has taken on the challenge - he has previously done it to mark his 50th and 60th birthdays, and now for his 70th, he is doing it to raise money for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, Oxenhope.

Tony, who now lives near Knaresborough, and is being accompanied for the second time by his red setter, Rua, has already raised almost £5,000 through his Just Giving page.

He is entirely self-sufficient on his journey, refusing lifts and public transport and carrying all his essentials in one rucksack. In line with Covid restrictions, he will initially sleep at campsites and then use bed and breakfast accommodation along the route. He has also had his second coronavirus vaccination.

Tony said before setting off: "I am now 70 years of age, and having had my second coronavirus vaccination, I will commence walking from Land's End to John o' Groats -for the final time - again accompanied by Rua.

"Rua will turn 12 years of age on the walk, which is a good age for a setter. The walk is around 1,000 miles and when I recently asked my vet if Rua was fit enough for the walk, she responded that Rua was, but she wasn't too sure about me."

To donate and support him in his Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/anthony-hennigan