Veteran fundraiser Jeffrey Long's latest charity challenge

Known for handing out handkerchiefs and a friendly smile to passers-by, the ex-paratrooper finished his final lap of Centenary Square for a cause close to his heart this week.

His latest challenge saw him raise money for Bradford Royal Infirmary’s neonatal department, which helped four of his grandchildren.

One of his grandchildren, whose heart stopped three times, is now happy and healthy thanks to the team’s efforts.

Walking 101 laps proved more challenging than usual for the great-grandfather, who has a bad back and ankle injury from his days as a para.

Jeffrey Long MBE in Centenary Square, Bradford (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

He cannot walk his usual 15 miles a day average and now manages an average of four miles due to severe pain.

Despite falling ill, losing his balance, and being forced to push some laps back due to bad weather, he finished the challenge in two months.

The charity fundraiser has raised more than £1,000 for the neonatal department. 

“It took longer than normal but I’m glad it’s over and raised a bit more money,” said the MBE-holder.

Jeffrey Long MBE walking in Centenary Square, Bradford (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

Plans are already underway for his next fundraiser.

The Bingley walker has raised more than £300,000 for different charities over the past 15 years.

He started fundraising in 2007 when he marched 650 miles from London to Lausanne in Switzerland, carrying a 30kg backpack. 

Jeffrey Long MBE always carries a pair of socks (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

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

He is a familiar face on walking routes and often hands out handkerchiefs and socks to those he meets along the way. 

Mr Long first started handing out handkerchiefs to make people smile on lockdown walks.

Describing what drives his epic fundraisers, Mr Long said: “I started when I was in my 75th year. Once you start it’s difficult to give up. That’s my problem.

Jeffrey Long MBE walks with members of the team at Bradford Hospitals Charity (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

“I carry with me bottles of water, a pair of socks, some Quality Streets in a bag to give to those who need a bit of help. I carry some in the car as well. I give every year 200, 300, pairs of socks. It inspires some people.

“We should all try and do a little bit. I see it like a jigsaw. I’m doing quite a lot, some people are maybe doing more, some people say ‘I don’t have time’, but you can do a little bit. Without the little bits the jigsaw’s not completed.

“We should spend our life in this world and leave it able to think, I’ve done my bit, I’ve done what I could.”

He added: “We should be supporting charities no matter how small a donation you’re able to give because it’s most important. Without charities, the country would be in a worse mess.”