Charity walker, 90, battles through storm winds

Derrick Downs walked through 50mph (80kmph) winds on Friday

A 90-year-old man who is walking 90 miles over nine consecutive days for charity has successfully battled through storm winds.

Derrick Downs set off on leg three of the walk on Friday morning from the village of Brabourne in Kent in 50mph (80kmph) winds which he described as "extremely challenging".

The nonagenarian from Margate is marking his landmark birthday by raising funds walking for the charity Oasis which supports domestic abuse victims.

He said he was "feeling fine" and "grateful to have made it through the storm".

Mr Downs said: "It was really awful at the start, raining hard with gusty winds."

Holly Broadley, from the charity Oasis, said: "Conditions at the start were really awful - not conditions that anyone would go out in, let alone someone aged 90.

"Derrick is a total inspiration. His determination doesn't seem to wane."

By 11:00 GMT the winds had "died down considerably" in east Kent, according to Mr Downs.

He started the challenge from Dover on his actual 90th birthday on Wednesday and has so far raised £12,000, exceeding his fundraising total in less than two days.

Mr Downs has plotted a 90-mile route across Kent in nine consecutive days

Mr Downs said he was "cheered on by the fundraising total growing every day".

He said: "Mud is making the journey really tricky and I'm starting to struggle getting over the stiles."

"But I don't have any aches and pains. I'm feeling fine."

Mr Downs is due to complete the 90-mile walk in his home town, Margate, on 30 January.