A STALBRIDGE man is going to great lengths – repeatedly – to raise money for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

Martyn Harris will be walking along a three-mile stretch of the town for 24 hours straight from 10am on May 3 to 10am the following morning.

What started as a personal challenge has turned into a community event as businesses around the town have pledged their support.

Martyn will start the challenge at Dike & Son Supermarket, who are also sponsoring him, stopping only for the odd toilet break and food stop throughout the 24 hours.

“Stalbridge is incredible,” he said.

“The few businesses I’ve spoken to so far have all offered various things, from simply allowing me to put up a poster in their window to making a donation, and others have also said I can pop in on the day to shake a bucket around.

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“I’ve been welcomed in time and time again, and so many wonderful people have said they will accompany me in laps.”

Martyn lives just two miles from the air ambulance base in Henstridge Marsh and says he was inspired to raise money for the charity after seeing the helicopter fly past his house regularly.

“I moved here nearly three years ago from Lulworth and did not know much about the work they do,” he said. “But after doing some digging I’ve realised just how important they are and how reliant they are on donations.

“It was a real sobering thought and it really bought me back to reality when I realised that the helicopter that I see is on its way to what is probably someone’s worst day of their life.

“But having that helicopter and the crew it carries is going to make the absolute difference to the outcome of that worst day. With each flight costing on average £3,500, they are always in need of support which is why I’ve decided to do this challenge.”

Martyn has praised the town and its residents having moved here three years ago Picture: Martyn Harris

Martyn said he was medically discharged from the army after 12 years of service and found that he had struggled a lot mentally in that time.

“Walking and the occasional run has helped me to stay on track, but really what keeps me motivated is having a goal.

“I wanted to push myself and also do something in the community that has been so truly welcoming to me and my family.

“This seemed like something that was possibly achievable but also going to really push me, and also I get to walk around the town I love amongst the people who I have a deep affection for while raising money for a charity that saves lives.”

To support Martyn’s efforts, visit www.dsairambulance.org.uk/Fundraisers/stalbridge-24hrs