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Veteran completes 24-hour charity walking challenge

Katie Waple
BBC News
Francesca Harris Martyn Harris is standing with thumbs up and smiling at the camera, he is wearing a black t-shirt advertising his Stalbridge 24 hours walking challenge and army trousers.Francesca Harris
Martyn Harris has completed his 24-hour walking challenge for charity

An Army veteran has completed a 24-hour walking challenge to raise money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Martyn Harris finished his walk in Stalbridge, Dorset, at 10:00 BST on Sunday - the challenge involved walking 60 miles (96.5km) on a three-mile (4.8km) circular route in his community.

He moved to the area three years ago and wanted to do something for the community that he said had made him feel so welcome.

Speaking after completing the challenge, he said: "I'm surprised that I thoroughly enjoyed the full 24 hours."

After leaving the Army, Mr Harris felt he needed to "get up and go", so began signing up for the air ambulance charity's fundraising campaigns, including its 100 miles in October challenge.

He decided to organise his own 24-hour walking challenge so he could remain in Stalbridge and involve other residents who agreed to walk with him.

Francesca Harris Critical care practitioner Nick Richards, Mr Harris and councillor James Vitali stand next to each other posing for a photo and smiling at the camera. There is an ambulance 4 by 4 vehicle in the background and balloons to the right hand side to mark Mr Harris' start point. Mr Richards is wearing a black short sleeved t shirt with red cargo trousers, Mr Harris has a black t shirt with army camouflage trousers and Mr Vitali wears a blue buttoned shirt with a black belt and cream chino trousersFrancesca Harris
From left to right: Critical care practitioner Nick Richards, Mr Harris and Councillor James Vitali

He said: "I had a period during the challenge, where I really hit that point, I was feeling it and I wasn't sure I'd make it.

"But throughout the whole challenge there were people, family, friends, people in the community who rallied round me and that really kept me going.

"Without their support I would not have done this."

Mr Harris said he was "feeling really good".

"I'm very sore but between my amazing wife, our sons and my friends I'm being very well looked after," he added.

He said Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was an "incredible charity full of incredible individuals" and it was an "absolute pleasure to take on the challenge for them".

"The challenge was full of highs and lows with so much laughter and conversation, I really want to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported me and ultimately the charity that is always there for our community," he added.

Francesca Harris Martyn Harris has is back to the camera and his holding his two young sons hands. Martyn is wearing a black t-shirt advertising his Stalbridge 24 hours walking challenge and army trousers. His son on the left has a red cap on, black t-shirt and brown shorts while the one on the right has blue shorts and a white jumper.Francesca Harris
Martyn Harris crossed the finish line with his two young sons

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