Ex-paratrooper, 91, completes 40-mile walking challenge to raise money for armed forces charities

A 91-year-old ex-paratrooper, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, completed an impressive 40-mile walk challenge to raise money for two armed forces charities.

Veteran Jeffrey Long MBE, who has raised over £300,000 for charity over the past 15 years, completed the walk on Wednesday morning.

The ex-soldier, who served in the Paras from 1952 to 1957, spent two months making steady progress before crossing the finish line in Bradford city centre, West Yorkshire.

Mr Long said the challenge was difficult given the cold weather, adding that a back injury from a parachute malfunction in 1954 reduced his mobility.

eteran Jeffrey Long MBE, who has raised over £300,000 for charity over the past 15 years, completed a 40-mile hike on Wednesday morning.

Ex-paratrooper Mr Long said the challenge was difficult given the cold weather, while adding that a back injury from a parachute malfunction in 1954 reduced his mobility

But the great-grandfather, who also endures daily chemotherapy, thanked the well-wishers and said he met some “nice people” along the way.

He said: “This hike was challenging given the cold weather and I’m not getting any younger but despite some physical issues I’ve managed to keep going.

“I have a bad back and an ankle injury from my days as a para so I had to make an effort.

“I’ve been lucky with the weather, although we’ve had some bitterly cold days, and I’ve met some lovely encouraging people and had so much support from passing motorists.”

Mr Long, who served in the 12th Parachute Battalion (Yorkshire), hiked around the hills near his home in Bingley, West Yorkshire to rack up the miles for his challenge.

The ex-soldier, who served in the Paras from 1952 to 1957, spent two months making steady progress before crossing the finish line in Bradford city centre, West Yorkshire

The great-grandfather, who also endures daily chemotherapy sessions, thanked the well-wishers and said he met some “nice people” along the way

In fact, however, he began raising funds in 2007 when, carrying a 30kg backpack, he walked 650 miles from London to Lausanne, Switzerland, to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

He’s since done dozens of hikes to raise money for the same charity, including a 100-mile hike along the South Shore.

According to GB News, Mr Long was made an MBE in 2010 for his volunteer services.

He told the outlet he normally walks 15 miles a day “no problem” but was hospitalized just a year ago and “was quite shaky I don’t know why and I fell a bit” when he came out.

Tina Pringle, the fundraising manager for the Royal British Legion Community, said the pensioner was a “remarkable” person.

Mr. Long began fundraising in 2007 when he walked 650 miles from London to Lausanne, Switzerland, with a 30kg rucksack to raise money for the Royal British Legion

Mr Long, who served in the 12th Parachute Battalion (Yorkshire), hiked around the hills near his home in Bingley, West Yorkshire to rack up the miles for his challenge

She said: “Jeffrey is one of our most notable fundraisers and we are so grateful for his support.

“He has dedicated his retirement to raising funds for our armed forces community and it has been a fantastic achievement. His commitment to our armed forces community is second to none.’

Jeffrey’s recent hike was in support of the Royal British Legion and Support Our Paras (The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Charity).

Anyone who would like to donate can do so here.