A dedicated charity supporter is marking his 50th birthday with a 50-mile walk for ellenor.

Robin Roberts will finish his walk on Wednesday, February 1 at the charity’s hospice in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet.

His day will begin at 5am at ellenor’s most southerly shop in Tunbridge Wells before he heads north, taking in the majority of the charity’s 16 shops, including those in Swanley, Dartford, Swanscombe and Crayford.

Last year, Mr Roberts took part in ellenor’s Firewalk and then decided to set a goal of getting fitter by undertaking the Coolings Highway 10k in Orpington, while raising £520 for the charity.

He decided to enter the race as a goal, having embarked on the NHS Couch to 5k training programme.

He said: “I was 49, 5ft 6ins and weighed 13-stone and would get out of breath if I ran to catch a bus.”

Once he had completed the NHS programme, he continued running every other day building up his endurance, getting fitter and losing a stone.

He added: “On the day of the 10k, I ran uphill, cross-country, downhill and up an even steeper hill. After an hour I had only reached 8k and I was flagging, but the support from the onlookers and the marshals kept me going.

“I completed the 10k, exhausted, sweaty, happy and proud.

“On my 50th, I will be spending it walking for ellenor because I believe in their work and the wonderful help they provide.”

Mr Roberts, who also volunteers in the hospice charity’s Bexleyheath shop, estimates his challenge should take him around 15 hours.

He would love to see supporters along the way.

You can see his route here. To donate, click here.