Ninety-six-year-old war veteran on his way to completing 96 mile fundraiser

A 96-year-old war veteran aims to walk a total of 96 miles around his neighbourhood in a bid to raise money for the Eastbourne DGH.
Peter Valentine SUS-201105-152859001Peter Valentine SUS-201105-152859001
Peter Valentine SUS-201105-152859001

Peter Valentine, who fought in the Second World War, has already walked 69.5 miles around his Rodmill Drive route, as of Monday May 11, with wife Heather to raise funds for the Friends of Eastbourne Hospital charity.

Peter said he started walking just after his birthday on April 12 and completes 1.5 miles in the morning and then another 1.5 miles in the afternoon everyday.

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The former radio presenter said, “I am getting on okay. I go out on the walks with my wife. It’s taking a long time but I enjoy doing it.”

The Londoner, who moved to the ‘jolly nice town’ of Eastbourne in 1983, said he wanted to be useful during the coronavirus lockdown.

He said, “When you’re old, you look back and think ‘I’m a lucky boy to be here’. The DGH have been good for me so I wanted to do something for them. They need the money. .

“The Friends of Eastbourne Hospital are very good and they do a lot. They deserve a little bit of help.”

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Wife Heather said, “He is absolutely wonderful and amazing. Especially for his age. He is putting all of his heart, soul and energy into this. I hope he does well for the hospital and himself.”

Peter said he fought at the Battle of Monte Cassino, served as a wireless operator during the war and has five medals including the 39 to 45 star.

So far, as of Monday May 11, Peter has raised £40 of his £560 target. To donate to his JustGiving Page, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/peter-valentine?fbclid=IwAR3L0CDCNcaXak_mXbbLs69CGqbLldo7kGETHwsuOLzRogRN7E6y9S3PLqI

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