Man, 90, sets off on 90-mile walk for charity

Derrick Downs set off on his 90-mile challenge from Dover on Wednesday

A 90-year-old has started a challenge to walk 90 miles over nine consecutive days to raise funds for survivors of domestic abuse.

Derrick Downs set off from Western Heights in Dover, Kent, on the day of his milestone birthday on Wednesday and hopes to raise £9,000 for the charity Oasis.

The pensioner, from Margate, has spent months rigorously training for the endeavour, which is planned to culminate in his home town on 30 January.

On arriving in Folkestone after five hours walking at the end of the first leg Mr Downs said it "went very well" and he was "looking forward to a bath and a meal".

He said: "I had to do something for my birthday, and rather than just have the normal family party it seemed better to do something for such a worthy cause.

"So many people suffer from domestic abuse in all its forms and they need support."

The mayor of Dover was at the start to wish the great-grandfather well and the Bishop of Dover turned up to offer him a blessing.

Mr Downs' journey will pass through iconic Kent locations, including the North Downs Way, Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable and Folkestone.

Mr Downs is hoping to raise £9,000 for Oasis domestic abuse charity

Mr Downs has been supporting Oasis for over 25 years.

It provides support to domestic abuse survivors, offering safe accommodation, outreach programmes, and education to help adults and children rebuild their lives.

Juliette Lyons, from the charity, said: "That someone of his age is doing such an epic challenge for a cause like ours.

"It's just really beautiful to see."

On Wednesday evening Mr Down's fundraising figure had reached £7,500.