AN 82-YEAR-OLD war veteran has won an award for his commitment to a local hospice after raising more than £1,000 earlier this year.

Ron Mason, who was named as Veteran of the Year at Armed Forces Day in June, has been a dedicated contributor to the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice since it opened 25 years ago.

In May Mr Mason, from Park Row, Greenwich, took part in a 10 mile sponsored walk and raised £1,125 for the Hospice.

Mr Mason, who served with the Royal Marines in Palestine, Malaysia and the canal zone, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March.

He said: “Being involved in the charity has been a big help, instead of just sitting around at home knowing what's wrong I've been doing all I can while I can. "The sponsored walk was a bit of a challenge but it was great to do it. I’m delighted with the amount raised"

Mr Mason is continuing to raise funds with bucket collections at his weekly coffee mornings and will be taking part in a static bike challenge at Greenwich Cutty Sark in October.

To find out more about the sponsored cycle and to register, visit communityhospice.org.uk