Bedhampton pensioner walking 100 laps of his garden each day for NHS charities

Bedhampton great-grandfather Peter Baldwin began his efforts last week, in a bid to try and raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together.

The 77-year-old is walking 5.77 miles each day around his garden, and plans to continue the fundraising exercise effort until lockdown is lifted by the government.

Peter, who retired from his job as a taxi driver 11 years ago, said: ‘The more I can raise, the happier I shall be about it - I’m up to £400 in a week.

‘I know times are tough at the minute and I just want to do my bit to try and help out those who are putting themselves on the front line for us.

‘I’ve always enjoyed walking so this is something that I can do, and I plan on continuing to do so until we are out of this terrible situation!’

The wet weather hasn’t deterred Peter from continuing his challenge, and he has been getting out in the garden even when it is raining to complete his daily laps.

‘I do get a few aches and pains but it’s doing me good at the same time.’ said Peter, who has been occupying his time with jigsaw puzzles and online cribbage.

Peter and his wife Elizabeth are missing seeing their family members while they are isolating at home, with daughter Tracey Bartlett, who lives at home, ‘doing everything’ for them.

Peter said: ‘We’re not able to see any of them which breaks our hearts.

‘They’re all backing me to the hilt and telling their friends to donate. I’m a bit overwhelmed with the response I have had.’

Granddaughter Caitlin Baldwin said: ‘Everyone is so proud of what my grandad is doing. It must be tough for him right now only being able to see us on video calls.

‘But he’s not let that get him down and he’s showing what a selfless person he truly is taking on this challenge and he is always thinking about others anyway. I can’t wait to give him a big hug when this is all over!’

To donate, visit facebook.com/donate/634655887092192.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.