An 88 year-old man from Bracknell has set himself a target of walking 50,000 steps a month for charity after ill-health left him in hospital for two months.

For many years, Peter Hurn has lived in Gorse Place where he if often seen out walking to Sandy Lane to collect wood to heat his home everyday with his walker.

He is known in his community for his charity work alongside the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Every year he collects the plants and flowers from his front garden to sell at the May Day Fair at Carnation Hall to raise money for the charity.

Following his ill health, doctors advised him of the benefits of walking, which inspired Peter to both set himself a personal target and raise money for Cancer Research in the process.

Neighbour Carol Morgan, who has lived beside Peter for 25 years, said: “We are all just amazed by him. The fact that he is 88 years-old and is still going never ceases to amaze us.

“Whenever he went into hospital last year, we thought that we had lost him but despite everything last month he exceeded his 50,000 steps target.

“Peter is always busy and everything he does is for other people. We as a community are all very fond of him.”

Peter has started a JustGiving page where is aims to raise £500 for Cancer Research UK. So far, he has raised a total of £330 with 21 supporters of his challenge.

He said: “Last month I exceeded my target and managed an amazing 60,000 steps, which I am quite proud of considering my age and heart problems.

“I am also back to growing plants and flowers, which I will be selling from my front garden again from the end of April – all the proceeds will go to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance as usual.

“I am continuing to walk to Sandy Lane to collect wood – not because of the rise of fuel cost but because I heat my home and water with a wood burner.”

If you wish to support Peter and help raise money for Cancer Research UK click here.