A FUNERAL director is trekking more than 85 miles to raise money to help a young girl with cerebral palsy.

Jeff Browning, of Old Town, will be walking the entire length of the Ridgeway National Trail in order to raise funds so 14-year-old Lottie Palfreeman can receive therapy.

He is hoping the money will buy a three-week programme at the Footsteps Foundation, in Oxfordshire.

“My wife works at Uplands School and told me about Lottie,” said Jeff, 38, who works at AE Smith and Son in the town centre. “I had a week booked off work so thought to myself why not do something useful with my time and raise some money for a good cause.”

The Ridgeway stretches from the North Wessex Downs through to the Chilterns. Jeff is planning on starting the walk on June 24 and completing it in four or five days.

It is not the first time Jeff has attempted the trek but he has yet to complete the challenge.

“I have tried walking the full distance of the Ridgeway several times before but haven’t finished it, mainly because I have not given myself enough time to do it,” he said.

“However, I’m older and wiser now so am much better prepared than before and have given myself a bit of extra time. “I am feeling confident and am determined to complete it this time.

“I have been on several training walks of 10km or so and have been getting my legs used to the distance.”

The money raised will go towards providing help for Lottie.

“I am looking to raise about £1,500 so Lottie can have a full programme at Footsteps. “She will be able to receive professional help that can make such a difference to her mobility.”

Lottie’s mother Rachel says she is extremely grateful to Jeff for doing the walk.

She said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. Lottie has been going to Footsteps for nearly four years and it is getting harder to raise the funds. “For someone who hardly knows her to come in and offer to go to such lengths is brilliant.

“The sessions make such a difference to Lottie.”

To donate visit www.just giving.com/ footstepsforlottie.