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A RETIRED teacher is making final preparations for an incredible journey which is set to prove the biggest challenge of his life.

Kind-hearted Ian Orrell (60), of Higher Lane, Whitefield, is set to travel an approximate 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats - on foot!

The ambitious trek, in aid of homeless charity Emmaus, gets underway in Cornwall on Tuesday, with Ian hoping to cross the finish line in northern Scotland around June 3.

Ian, a father-of-one who taught chemistry at Manchester Grammar School for 34 years, and before that at Bury Grammar School, is hoping to walk 16 miles each day, stopping off at campsites, friends' homes and Emmaus centres along the way.

With just five days left before the epic walk gets underway, Ian said he cannot wait to get started, but is counting on the backing of friends and family to see him through.

"I am hoping to raise £6,000 and the support I have had so far has been incredible. My wife, Susan, has been a great help and my brother Keith has also been supportive too. People have been happy to donate, but every penny counts. I'll walk approximately 1,000 miles in all, so if you can afford a donation of £10 you'll be spurring me on with 1p per mile," said Ian.

He added: "For a very long time this particular long-distance walk has been a cherished dream, which I am now able to undertake. I retired recently and now have the time and opportunity to take on this challenge before my legs seize up."

The former Stand Cricket Club player is no stranger to long-distance hiking, having previously walked the breadth of the country in a previous challenge.

He said he was inspired to help Emmaus after hearing humanitarian and author Terry Waite speak about the plight of homeless people.

The route has taken nine months to plan, as the fundraising quest will have to stay off the beaten track, avoiding major roads.

And despite recent bad weather, he said is ready for the elements. "It will be the biggest challenge of my life, but I am up for it. I have tried to plan everything as much as possible, even down to not arriving in Scotland too late in the summer so I avoid the midges. Hopefully, it won't snow again and will keep at a decent temperature," said Ian.

He added: "I have also had help from a friend called Alan McDonald, who has provided me with some interactive maps, which I can print off on the journey.

"Travelling through Salford, where Emmaus is hoping to build a centre, and through Whitefield, will be a big boost and I am hoping to meet Terry Waite when I pass through."

To date, Ian has raised £1,898 for Emmaus. If you would like to add to that total, visit www.justgiving.com/ianorrell * THROUGHOUT Ian's two-month trek, he will be writing a daily online diary, known as a blog, charting his progress across the length of the land - and the Guide will take you every step of the way.

From Wednesday, prestwichandwhitefieldguide.com will bring you Ian's blog entries as often as possible and give readers a chance to send their messages of support.

1:44pm Thursday 27th March 2008

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