A HEALTH and safety advisor is gearing up to tackle a gruelling hike for charity.

Mark Limon, 57, from Eston, east Cleveland, is no stranger to charity challenges having previously completed the Three Peaks and is now preparing for a 100km trek across the Yorkshire Dales for Blind Veterans UK which helps vision-impaired ex-servicemen and women.

Mr Limon, who advises the care home industry, will tackle the walk over the weekend of June 17 along with countless others who have signed up for the national fundraiser.

The route starts and finishes in Darley in Nidderdale and takes in Brimham Rocks and Ripley Castle. Mr Limon decided to support the cause due to familial connections with the military.

His father served in the Navy for seven years, his nephew was in the Air Force for 12 and his niece served the Army for a decade.

Mr Limon added: "My nephew-in-law is currently serving as a Captain in the Medical Corp, so it’s safe to say that I come from quite an active military family.

"I’m aware of the work the charity does in helping blind veterans regain independence, so I was happy to help in any way I could.”

Mr Limon, whose training schedule has so far seen him take on walks of up to 30k while carrying weighted backpacks, is nervous but looking forward to the challenge.

He said: “I’ll be 58 by the time the event comes round I should probably know better, but I’m a naturally competitive person and I like to push myself as much as possible."

To support Mr Limon visit justgiving.com.

Registration for the 100k is still open. To take part, visit blindveterans.org.uk/100k.