Octogenarian's marathon challenge for hospices

An octogenarian has begun his final mammoth walking challenge to support hospices in his area.

Geoff Kennedy, 85, said he felt "ready and raring to go" as he began his 26-mile trek across Rugby, Coventry and Warwick for The Myton Hospices.

Mr Kennedy, who will turn 86 next month, walked a full marathon in his garden in 2020, after the Covid-19 pandemic stopped his fundraising plans.

The seasoned fundraiser has completed similar challenges for the charity over the last five years, including walking a marathon over four days across his hometown of Rugby.

The retired solicitor has been supporting the charity for decades, co-founding the Rugby 250+ Club, which has raised more than £220,000 for the charity.

Mr Kennedy's late-wife received care at Myton's Rugby site before she died in 2011.

He said he knew first hand the difference their support can make for people.

The challenge will run from Wednesday to Saturday and he will walk 6.5 miles each day.

The dad-of-two and regular golf player said he was used to walking around five miles every time he played, calling it "great preparation" and saying he felt "ready and raring to go."

"I wanted to make this final challenge bigger and better," he said.

"I've been raising money for Myton for almost half my life and it's a cause close to my heart."

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