Former paratrooper Jeffrey Long sets off on ‘most ambitious’ charity challenge yet

The 88-year-old former paratrooper from Bingley will walk to a different care home every day for 10 days, with some walks set to be more than 10miles - and he may well continue beyond 10 days.

‘Jeffrey’s Walk for Carers’ is the latest in a growing curriculum vitae of challenge, which includes marching 650 miles from London to Lausanne in Switzerland while carrying a 30kg back pack to raise money for the Royal British Legion in 2007, and hiking along Hadrian’s Wall and the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. So far, he has raised more than £300,000 for charity.

All proceeds from his latest challenge will go to The Care Workers’ Charity, which provides current and former care workers with crisis grants.

Mr Long said: “Care workers are hugely undervalued and deserve more recognition for their heroic work. Every day, care workers make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of people across the country, providing them with the dignity and support they need to live happy and contented lives.

“This challenge is set to be one of the most ambitious I have ever embarked on and I look forward to visiting the wonderful care homes in and around Bingley.”

Partnership and events manager at The Care Workers’ Charity, Emily Barnett, said: “We are pleased that Jeffrey wants to fundraise for The Care Workers’ Charity. As a seasoned walker it is wonderful that Jeffrey is combining his love for fundraising and walking to raise money to support the almost 2 million care workers in the UK.

“Jeffrey is a force to be reckoned with and we wish him all the best for his walk for carers.”

To donate to ‘Jeffrey’s Walk for Carers’, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jeffrey-long-walk