Petersfield charity hiker does it for his dad

A?PETERSFIELD?lorry driver who walked from London to Brighton has made more than twice his target amount from the arduous two-day feat.

Steve Dew (49), of Sussex Road, took on the 100km challenge to raise cash for the Parkinson’s UK charity, as his father has had the condition for 15 years.

And he has now gathered in £886 after hiking for 24 hours –?34 miles in 13 hours the first day, and 27 miles in 11 hours on day two.

“That feeling you get when you cross the finish is overwhelming. My reward was a finisher’s T-shirt and medal, and, oh, about eight blisters.

“It was an experience I shall cherish, not one to be repeated though. The walk was tough, and some decided to pull out halfway. They couldn’t carry on with the second day. I never once gave up. And believe me, it was tough.”

He is grateful to everyone who donated funds, which will help the charity continue in its work to find a cure for the condition, and to a Petersfield woman, Margaret Boyd-Wallis, who is also a sufferer.

She has written a book, entitled Reaching for the Lily Leaf, about her Parkinson’s experience.

“When I took on this 100km, I?had my father and Margaret who I couldn’t let down,” said Steve.

Visit the JustGiving website and follow the Steve Dew link to donate.