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A retired solicitor has set himself the challenge of walking 874 miles throughout 2021 – which is the same as the distance between Land’s End and John O’Groats.

David Ellis, 75, from Blackwood, has taken on the challenge to raise funds for the new breast cancer unit at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr in Ystrad Mynach, which is set to open later this year.

A voluntary group – the Friends of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Breast Unit – was set up in 2018 with the aim of raising funds for the additional facilities the NHS is unable to provide.

Plans for the new unit were approved by Caerphilly County Borough Council in September last year.

David is also hoping to raise funds for local youth groups so they can get back up and running after the coronavirus pandemic.

His journey began on January 1, and he is hoping to reach his target by December 31.

So far, David has already clocked up more than 100 miles.

He has been going for walks close to home due to coronavirus restrictions, but he has already walked an equivalent distance from Land’s End to Devon.

David is a member of the Rotary Club of Blackwood, which has been unable to carry out its usual fundraising activities due to the pandemic.

He has been a rotary member for 35 years, with fellow members planning to join him at various points along the route, if restrictions allow.

His wife, Julia, said: “Three years ago he had to start from scratch after a leg operation.

“Now only snow or deluge will stop him from getting out on the local hills and dales.”

David intends to provide weekly updates on his progress and his virtual location along the route between Land’s End and John O’Groats.

To make a donation to David’s fundraiser, visit obv.sr/david874