2.6 Challenge: Man, 70, took on 26 road lengths in wheelchair

Alan Cooper said he was "overwhelmed" from the support from his carers and neighbours as he took on 26 lengths of his road

A 70-year-old man with multiple sclerosis has completed 26 lengths of his road in his wheelchair, which was inspired by the 2.6 Challenge.

Alan Cooper, from Nottinghamshire, took on the "gruelling challenge" totalling about 2.4km on Saturday.

Mr Cooper, who is wholly dependent on his carers, said he was "achy, but overwhelmed".

He has raised £570 for Church Army, a volunteer-run charity set up 1882 devoted to evangelism and social care.

The 2.6 Challenge has encouraged people to choose an activity with the numbers 2.6 or 26 and raise money for charity.

Alan Cooper said the "gruelling wheelchair challenge" was inspired by the 2.6 Challenge

Mr Cooper, from Bingham, said he was "very pleased" he finished the challenged in a day as he was "not used to exercise".

The pensioner, who retired in 1990 when he was diagnosed with MS, had worked in hostels for homeless men and children's holiday centres as part of his service as captain in the Church Army.

He was awarded an MBE for improving access for disabled users and mothers with buggies in Bingham in 2000.

The 2.6 Challenge was set up by some of the UK's biggest sports events, including the London Marathon, to compensate for the cancellation of events due to the coronavirus outbreak.

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