Man raises thousands for homelessness charity

Ade Doughty originally set out to do 100 miles, but doubled it to challenge himself

A man has raised £3,000 for a charity supporting homeless and vulnerable people by walking, cycling, and swimming 200 miles.

Ade Doughty, 50, from Wednesfield, completed the miles over a month-long period for Wolverhampton-based Good Shepherd.

The money will go towards the charity's free-to-access food and support services, including a breakfast club which offers a shower and change of clothes to those who slept rough the night before.

Mr Doughty said it was a "heck of a challenge" but was delighted to have done it.

Mr Doughty (left) was supported by friends to complete the miles

"I started out with a target of 100 miles, and then had the crazy idea of doubling it," he said.

"Challenges included injuries, having no energy, having punctures on my bike and, at one point, a tyre blowout."

The challenge was part of Good Shepherd's Miles into Meals campaign, which aimed to see supporters and staff complete 1,247 miles between them during June and July.

The distance was the number of miles between their Wolverhampton centre and Granada, Spain, where the beginnings of a group of charities began.

"A lot of people around the city have hit hard times, and it’s important that we all try and help when we can," said Mr Doughty.

Charity CEO Tom Hayden said: "Ade’s challenge is such a brilliant example of what can be achieved, because he has been really creative and pushed his boundaries, and ended up raising a fantastic amount of money, becoming our most successful Miles into Meals fundraiser.

"The money raised will have such a positive impact on the people who are helped by the Good Shepherd."