Footsore, one man and his dog tackle challenge for late father-in-law

WHEN you want to get from London to Brighton you would automatically think to travel by car or train.

But an Appleton man made the journey on foot to help raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Ian Robinson, of Barshaw Gardens, joined more than 3,000 others who tackled the charity trek for the Alzheimer’s Society after his father-in-law Laust Moltesen died from vascular dementia two years ago.

The 44-year-old said: “When you see someone go from being a proud man to a broken one it is heartbreaking.

“They need more funding to do more research, one in two people will get dementia and the Alzheimer’s Society have been really helpful.”

The sales manager had his own battles to face as he slimmed down after two back operations in the past two years to tackle the challenge.

“Doctors said they had done the best they could but said if I didn’t lose weight I would not get use of my back fully again,” he added.

“I joined Slimming World in Latchford and said when I have lost five stone I would set myself a massive challenge and this was it.”

Since signing up for the 100 mile 24 hour challenge Ian and his trusty canine companion Kara walked the streets of Warrington in preparation.

He said: “I could write a book on walks of Warrington.”

The arduous journey took Ian 32 hours with regular 12km stops along the way.

“Your feet just got ruined and really blistered up and only 70 per cent of those taking part finished,” added Ian.

He has already smashed his fundraising target of £500 but you can help him raise more visit justgiving.com/livingfortoday.