A HOSPICE has been "overwhelmed" by the efforts of an 85-year-old man who raised £12,000.

Charles Hanson, of Wetheral, set about walking 86 miles before his 86th birthday on December 29 in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria's Children's Hospice.

But he completed the distance - walking about a mile and a half every day - well ahead of schedule and handed over the money earlier this week.

EVH and Jigsaw's chief executive Patricia Livsey said it was an "amazing achievement".

Charles's donation provided a much-needed boost at a time when charitable fundraising has been devastated by the impact of the pandemic.

"We are truly overwhelmed that Charles, his family, friends and the local community have raised over £12,000 to support the hospice during these challenging times.

“[It]really will make a huge difference to the care, support and compassion provided to local people with life limiting illnesses," she said.

"At a time when many fundraising activities stopped and our charity shops had to close, the hospice is in the unfortunate situation whereby the need for specialist, compassionate care is increasing but charitable income has taken a drastic downturn.

"On behalf of everyone at the hospice I would like to say a massive thank you to Charles."

With no fundraising target in mind Charles hoped he would raised a few hundred pounds. He said it was "heart-warming" to be able to give so much more.

"I know how much they have lost through coronavirus and how much they needed the funds," he said. "It has been wonderful to have the support from friends and family - a alrge number of the donor were friends and family - but several people who saw the media coverage donated too."