Pensioner's 73-mile wheelchair challenge for wife
Ashington Grange Care HomeAn 86-year-old pensioner has embarked on a 73-mile (117km) wheelchair challenge in support of his wife.
Wheelchair-user Thomas Hedley, who lives at a care home in Ashington, Northumberland, has decided to wheel himself the equivalent length of Hadrian's wall to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.
Mr Hedley's wife, who lives in another care home and has Alzheimer's, was the inspiration behind the challenge.
"It has affected our whole family," he said. "There is no coming back from Alzheimer's, it's a downwards slope."
Mr Hedley, who lives at Ashington Grange Care Home, began the challenge to wheel himself along the equivalent length of Hadrian's Wall last month.
He is doing laps of the care home corridor and is hoping to complete the total distance by the end of September.
Hadrian's Wall, built by the Roman Empire, stretches coast to coast, from Wallsend on the River Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria in the west.
Mr Hedley said: "I have witnessed what a struggle [my wife] has with everyday living and want to do what I can to raise funds to help Alzheimer's research."
Andrea Pringle, manager at Ashington Grange Care Home, said Mr Hedley was an "inspiration" to other residents and staff.
"Our residents are thrilled with the dedication Tom is showing to complete this. It is such a wonderful, generous thing to do - and for a great cause."