A MAN from near Ellesmere is walking the ‘Clarendon Way’ to raise money for his local church and a Shropshire charity.

Andrew Thomson, 80 and from Hordley is walking the 26-mile trail, between Winchester and Salisbury over four days from September 26-29 to raise money for St Mary’s in Hordley and Severn Hospice.

Andrew says he chose the Clarendon Way after reading about the walk in a novel.

“I first came across the Clarendon Way while reading a novel by Tracy Chevalier,” he said.

“The book, A Single Thread, is mainly set in and around Winchester cathedral and includes a brief description of the central character, Violet, walking from there to Salisbury.

“The total distance to be covered is about 26 miles.

“The aim is to take four days, returning to a rented cottage near Winchester after each day’s walk.

“Seven miles a day may not sound much for a young person but for an 80 year old it will be quite a challenge.

“I shall, however, not be walking alone.

“Our daughter, Lorna, works in London but often visits us in Shropshire and is well known at St Mary’s church.

“We will also have the support of my wife, Mary, who will drive us to and from the cottage as required.

“I was born in Salisbury in the cold, dark days of February 1940 and, although I have only been there once since then, the city has always been close to my heart.

“This was partly what attracted me to the idea of undertaking this walk.”

To donate to the fundraiser visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewThomson56