Veteran completes 24-hour charity walking challenge

Martyn Harris has completed his 24-hour walking challenge for charity
- Published
An Army veteran has completed a 24-hour walking challenge to raise money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Martyn Harris finished his walk in Stalbridge, Dorset, at 10:00 BST on Sunday - the challenge involved walking 60 miles (96.5km) on a three-mile (4.8km) circular route in his community.
He moved to the area three years ago and wanted to do something for the community that he said had made him feel so welcome.
Speaking after completing the challenge, he said: "I'm surprised that I thoroughly enjoyed the full 24 hours."
After leaving the Army, Mr Harris felt he needed to "get up and go", so began signing up for the air ambulance charity's fundraising campaigns, including its 100 miles in October challenge.
He decided to organise his own 24-hour walking challenge so he could remain in Stalbridge and involve other residents who agreed to walk with him.

From left to right: Critical care practitioner Nick Richards, Mr Harris and Councillor James Vitali
He said: "I had a period during the challenge, where I really hit that point, I was feeling it and I wasn't sure I'd make it.
"But throughout the whole challenge there were people, family, friends, people in the community who rallied round me and that really kept me going.
"Without their support I would not have done this."
Mr Harris said he was "feeling really good".
"I'm very sore but between my amazing wife, our sons and my friends I'm being very well looked after," he added.
He said Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was an "incredible charity full of incredible individuals" and it was an "absolute pleasure to take on the challenge for them".
"The challenge was full of highs and lows with so much laughter and conversation, I really want to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported me and ultimately the charity that is always there for our community," he added.

Martyn Harris crossed the finish line with his two young sons
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