Couple attempting record two-year walk around Britain

Zoe and Mike have chosen to raise money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance due to the vital role it plays in rural communities

A 73-year-old man hopes to become the oldest person to walk the coastline of mainland Great Britain in a continuous two-year circuit.

Mike Langley, 73, and Zoe Langley-Wathen, 54, from near Ilminster, Somerset, hope to complete 7,000 miles (11,265km) to raise £10,000 for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA).

Mr Langley said: "I know this won't be easy, but I'm determined to prove that age doesn't have to hold you back."

Ms Langley-Wathen added: "Long-distance walking has changed my life, and I want to encourage others – especially women in midlife – to see what they're capable of."

They will begin their journey at South Haven Point, Studland, Dorset, and head anti-clockwise around the coast, finishing back where they began.

The pair have chosen to raise money for DSAA due to the vital role it plays in rural communities

In his 60s, Mr Langley climbed 252 Welsh mountains at the height of 600m (1,968ft) in one continuous expedition, and has re-walked the Camino - a pilgrim route in Spain - with two new hips.

The pair have chosen to raise money for DSAA due to the vital role it plays in rural communities.

"What really struck us during a recent visit to the airbase was the speed at which the crew can bring the hospital to the patient," Mrs Langley-Wathen said.

"Knowing the service is funded almost entirely by donations, we wanted our walk to raise awareness and funds to help keep those helicopters flying.

"You never know when we or a loved one might need their help."

Every deployment costs Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance £3,500

DSAA is the busiest air ambulance in the south west, being tasked to nearly 3,000 missions a year.

Every deployment costs Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance £3,500 - so raising £10,000 would equate to nearly three potentially life saving missions.

Charlotte Humber, Supporter Engagement Officer for the DSAA said: "Their dedication, time, and energy are not only helping to fund vital missions, but also inspiring others to get behind our cause.

"We are truly grateful for their incredible support and for showing such passion and commitment to DSAA."

The charity have recently launched an appeal which aims to raise the final £1m needed to purchase and fit out a second air ambulance helicopter.

"A second helicopter will enable our air ambulance crew to reach more patients, strengthen operational resilience and ultimately save even more lives," said Ms Humber.

The couple's challenge begins in October, and donations can be made via their fundraising page.