A TIMPERLEY resident has completed a gruelling trek - to raise funds for a charity close to his heart.

Gordon Carlisle, of Fairfield Road, walked from St Bees in the Lake District to Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, over 12 days to raise funds for Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

Sixty-four-year-old youth worker Gordon took on the 190-mile challenge to repay the charity that helped him cope after he suffered an inflammatory bowel condition, Crohn’s disease.

Gordon had a major operation in September which he has almost fully recovered from, although not the Crohn’s disease.

Father-of -three Gordon’s efforts have raised £1,150 for the charity. Gordon, who is married to Maureen, said: “Well, that was quite a walk. A bit harder than I expected I have to admit.

“Blisters were the main problem. Having walked nine or 10 hours a day in persistent rain, my feet became soaked and inevitably both feet blistered.”

He added: “I was not lonely, as I was supported by friends who came up to walk some of the way with me at different stages. Quite honestly I'm not sure that I would have carried on if not for them.”

To support Gordon’s efforts go to www.justgiving.com/gordoncarlisle