VETERAN Bradford fundraiser Jeffrey Long MBE is heading out on an epic walking challenge in aid of the Royal British Legion’s 2022 Poppy Appeal.

He is also planning to raise money for Support Our Paras (The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Charity) during his latest venture, a 40-mile hike in less than a month.

Last year, Jeffrey, now 91, walked 190 miles to mark the RBL’s centenary, raising £3,500.

The former paratrooper from Bingley, who has single-handedly raised more than £300,000 for charity over the past 15 years, said: “I do have a bad back and an ankle injury from my days as a para, so I have to push myself at times.

“But nothing will stop me from this latest challenge – it isn’t just about the money, I want to keep the plight of our Armed Forces community at the forefront of people’s minds, particularly during the current cost of living crisis.”

Great-grandfather Jeffrey, who served with the Paras from 1952-1957, said: "I am very proud of my time as a paratrooper and this is just my way of giving something back, at a time when military charities are more important than ever."

Despite having daily chemotherapy and suffering back pain from a parachute malfunction in 1954 when he was serving with the 12th (Yorkshire) Parachute Battalion, Jeffrey will aim to complete the 40 miles in less than a month.

Jeffrey Long began fundraising in 2007 when he marched 650 miles from London to Lausanne in Switzerland, carrying a 30kg backpack, to raise money for the RBL.

Since then, he has completed dozens of charity hikes, including 100 miles along the south coast to support the RBL.

He has also attracted celebrity support after his fundraising efforts went viral in 2017 thanks to comedians Jason Manford and Iain Lee.

Tina Pringle, Royal British Legion Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Jeffrey is a remarkable individual and a dedicated fundraiser for our Armed Forces community, and we are incredibly lucky to have his support.

“Throughout his retirement, he has dedicated his time and energy to raising money for the RBL and we are indebted to him for his constant support.”

Jeffrey will set out from City Hall, Centenary Square, Bradford at 10am on Wednesday October 19.

He will receive a civic send-off from Bradford’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Martin Love.

To support Jeffrey by donating via his Just Giving page visit justgiving.com/jeffreylong

 

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