Veteran prepares for most ambitious trek

AN 86-YEAR-OLD veteran is preparing for his most ambitious charity walk yet.

Former paratrooper Jeffrey Long, from Bingley, West Yorkshire, will next month depart on a 100-mile walk from North Yorkshire’s Catterick Garrison to Salisbury, taking in various RAF bases along the way.

He will begin his challenge on Sunday, September 16, as the garrison hosts the ‘Paras 10’ 10-mile endurance race.

He will be welcomed and hosted by the RAF at each base, helping them to celebrate their 100th year.

The walk will finish at Netheravon in Salisbury, the home of The Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team.

This year, Mr Long is raising money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, and Support Our Paras, a charity which supports The Parachute Regiment. Earlier this year, Mr Long’s charity efforts were recognised by the Prime Minister. Mr Long raised more than £120,000 for the Royal British Legion last year when his sponsored walk went viral. The former paratrooper’s fundraising campaign was given a boost after comedian Jason Manford posted a link to his Just Giving page. The attention resulted in his total going from £300 to £75,000 within 24 hours, eventually reaching beyond £120,000. In a personal letter to Mr Long, Theresa May said he “should be incredibly proud”.