Hastings pensioner to walk Hadrian's Wall

Setting off this week, Jim Thompson will spend six days going from coast to coast from Wallsend on the North East of England coast to Bowness-on-Solway on the Irish Sea West coast.

His longest days of walking will be 17 miles and 18.5 miles in the most remote section of the trail.

“If I can raise some money for the centre’s activities, which help to ease loneliness and provide support for older people, then my winter challenge will be worthwhile,” said Jim.

To donate to Jim’s fundraising page, www.justgiving.com/JimThompson2016.

Sue Adey, centre manager for Royal Voluntary Service, said: “We wish Jim all the luck in the world with this epic adventure.

“He’ll be texting us updates and photos so we can keep track of his progress and offer him some words of motivation.

“We are incredible grateful to Jim for raising some much needed funds for the centre, and we’ll be thinking of him every step of the way.”

The Royal Voluntary Service Centre in St Leonards opens Monday to Friday.

It provides a range of services for people aged 55 upwards, as well as a number of volunteer opportunities.

Weekly activities for older people include gentle exercise, craft class, knit and natter.

The lunch club provides a choice of freshly cooked lunches all at reasonable prices enabling people to socialise and make friends over a cup of tea or a meal.

Royal Voluntary Service supports more than 100,000 older people each month to stay independent in their own homes for longer with tailor-made solutions.

Through its army of volunteers, the charity runs services such as Good Neighbours (companionship), Meals-on-Wheels and Books-on-Wheels that alleviate loneliness and help older people.

Royal Voluntary Service also provides practical support for older people who have been in hospital through its On Ward Befriending and Home from Hospital services and via its network of retail shops and cafes.

For more information, visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

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