A RUDHEATH man intends to walk 82 miles in less than 40 hours to raise money for The Samaritans.

Dan Barratt will set out on May 15 from just outside Newcastle to Hadrian's Wall in Scotland with his brother Andy and five others.

Dan, 27, of Melchett Crescent, decided to do the sponsored walk after visiting an open evening at The Samaritans.

"I went initially with a view to being a volunteer," he said.

"I was surprised how little money gets raised for The Samaritans.

"I hadn't planned to do anything like this but my brother is used to doing these kind of walks."

Dan, who restores antiques at a shop in Plumley, has already started preparing for the walk.

Last Thursday he walked 17 miles around Northwich in a bid to start building up his mileage.

This is the first time Dan has done anything like this and he is not sure what to expect.

He said: "I'm definitely looking forward to it.

"It is going to be tough but I'm really looking forward to the challenge."

Meanwhile Dan is hoping to hire a people carrier for three days so that he can have drinks along the way.

He is looking for companies to give him a good price as it is for charity.

If anyone would like to help or sponsor Dan, they can ring him on 07966 504356.

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk