A DURHAM Police worker has undertaken a mammoth endurance task after hiking the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall all while wearing full armour.

For many, walking 84 miles would be too much of a task – but for police dispatcher Mike Toward, this wasn’t enough, and he wanted to up the stakes.

After setting himself a challenge to start in Bowness-on-Solway, in Cumbria, on Monday (May 23), he hiked the length of Hadrian’s Wall and finished on Friday (May 26) wearing three stone of full Roman legionary armour.

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While the police worker has found it a tough endurance task, he has been buoyed on by the fact that he’s raising funds for St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

On his journey, Mr Toward was joined by his Control Room colleagues from B relief team, who are raising money for their close friend and former colleague, Karen Middlemiss.

Karen is currently fighting secondary breast cancer, which has spread to her spine, pelvis and liver.

The Northern Echo: Mike travelled the length of Hadrian's wall, backed by his colleagues, friends and family. Picture: DURHAM POLICE.Mike travelled the length of Hadrian's wall, backed by his colleagues, friends and family. Picture: DURHAM POLICE.

Throughout the walk, Mike has also been supported by friends and family, with Karen’s dog, Lola, even joining in to walk a section.

He’s also met many keen walkers from around the world, who have been happy to throw some cash in his fundraising bucket.

Speaking about the challenge, Mr Toward said: “Karen spent a week in St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham, while they helped get her pain relief under control.

The Northern Echo: Mike was also complete with shield on his 84 mile hike. Picture: DURHAM POLICE.Mike was also complete with shield on his 84 mile hike. Picture: DURHAM POLICE.

"The support they gave Karen, and her family has been second to none and that’s why I have taken on this adventure - to try and raise awareness of what they do and to raise as much as I can to help them continue their vital care to those who need it.”

Even though Mike’s challenge is over, his fundraising page is still open and can be accessed here.

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