A man in his eighties has successfully completed hundreds of miles of walking fives months after starting the challenge.

The 86-year-old Peter Murray has been doing the walk to support North London Hospice and took the final steps of his 1,000 mile walk as he arrived in Finchley on Friday.

Shortly after, he announced he will now continue his walk until he reaches 5,000 miles.

The pensioner who lives in Palmers Green began his challenge in May this year and has so far raised more than £2,000 for the hospice that cared for one of his sisters.

Enfield Independent: Peter Murray and Sam EdwardsPeter Murray and Sam Edwards

As he was presented with a medal and certificate for his impressive achievement, the 86-year-old revealed that his new goal of walking 5,000 miles is to raise more money for patient care which came from a challenge from his brother which he couldn’t refuse.

Mr Murray said: “I was first inspired to start my walking challenge by Captain Sir Tom Moore.

“I’ve been walking up to ten miles a time in my local community but as I neared my goal my brother Oliver said ‘I bet you can’t get to 5,000 miles?’ - never one to turn down a challenge, I’ve decided to keep going until I reach 5,000 miles.

“It’s good exercise and I get to meet lots of wonderful people on my walks and I’m raising money for a great cause.”

READ: Peter Murray eyes 1,000-mile walk around Barnet and Enfield

North London Hospice’s medical director Sam Edwards was among those cheering Peter at the finishing line, she said: “It’s because of dedicated supporters like Peter that we are able to continue to care for more than 3,000 patients and their families each year.

“The last two years have been very hard for us all, so to see Peter reach 1,000 miles was just what we needed to make us all smile. It is such an amazing achievement for Peter whose determination means he’s not stopping there!

“I look forward to seeing him again when he clocks up his 5,000th mile - his new target! We are all cheering you on!”

Support Peter’s challenge here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/peter-murray-walks-1000-miles