A man is walking the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for a new sensory room for adults with learning disabilities in Orpington.

Hugh O’Neill, 57, began his 1000-mile challenge in January, and will need to walk 20 miles a week if he is to make the distance by the end of 2021.

Residents from Cabrini House, the home for adults with learning disabilities Hugh is walking for, supported his efforts last week by completing 100 miles between them on a treadmill.

The funds he raises will be put donated to the Diagrama Foundation, which supports vulnerable people through residential care, adoption and fostering across the south east of England. 

Hugh O’Neill, said: “I heard about the Diagrama Foundation through a networking group I belong to.

“The charity told us about Cabrini House wanting to create a sensory room to enrich the lives of their residents with learning disabilities and I decided I wanted to help.

“I initially set myself a fundraising target of £1,000, but only a few weeks in I have already reached that, so I would love to raise £2,500 in total.

“Once I had decided to do something positive in these difficult times, I chose to walk so that as well as doing some good for a charity I could shift some holiday weight which I have been carrying since 1978 and improve my fitness before I hit my retirement years!

“I have already lost quite a few pounds and I am looking forward to reaching both my fundraising and weight loss targets.”

Marina Rubio, Residential Manager at Cabrini House, said: “A sensory room will help make the lives of our residents much easier, by giving them a space they can use, if life overwhelms or frustrates them.

“Our residents have shown their support and thanks to Hugh for all he is doing to raise the money we need for the sensory room, by clocking up an amazing 100 miles on the treadmill.”

To help Hugh to open a sensory room, visit  www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hugh-o-neill1