A KEEN charity fundraiser with an impressive record of achievements under his belt is setting off on his latest challenge – a bus trip around the country on his pensioner's bus pass.

Bob Waite, 66, of Blackhall Colliery, east Durham, who hopes to raise £10,000 for the transplant unit at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital Freeman, will set off on his journey tomorrow morning.

The former chimney sweep has completed two parachute jumps, 30 Boxing Day dips, canoed down the North Sea coast, done a 60-mile cycle ride and organised village fun days for various causes.

Two previous bus rides have included one from Land’s End to Berwick-on-Tweed to raise money for a little boy with epilepsy.

Mr Waite said: “My wife Denise told me to slow down but after watching a news report about Freeman Hospital’s transplant unit I decided I had to do one more bus ride using my old age pensioner's bus pass.

“I will travel around the perimeter of England as close to the coast as possible where public buses take you, along the borders of Wales/England and Scotland/England.

“Who knows how many miles it will be, as local buses take you through housing estates and factory and industrial estates.”

The grandfather hopes to be home in four weeks.

He said: “I have a very good friend who has pledged £1,000 towards my accommodation.

“It’s a sad fact that transplants are a part of life for some people, and we are very lucky to have the transplant unit at the Freeman Hospital.

“We must support them as it could be you, a member of your family, friend or neighbour who might need a transplant one day.”

Anyone wishing to donate can visit www.jusstgiving.com/fundraising/bobsbusride2017.