A BREAM man who is in constant pain caused by spina bifida took on a 13-mile walk because he wanted a challenge and to raise funds for a charity that helps families affected by the condition.

Darrell Hoare is also trying to raise awareness of spina bifida which is an incomplete closure of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord and Shine, the charity that helps those with the condition and with hydrocephalus.

Mr Hoare and his wife Zoe were joined by friends to take on the 13-miles along the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke from Chepstow to Tintern and back.

He said: “Having just turned 40 I wanted to challenge myself while raising funds and awareness for Shine, who do tremendous work.

“With the help of pain relief and some good doctors I lead a fairly normal life day to day.

“However, I know I’m one of the lucky ones – some days I struggle to walk 100 yards so 13 miles is a real challenge for me.”

Darrell and Zoe were joined by nephew Riley Leech, Kelly and Mark Leech, Karen and Nigel Jenkins, Rich and Shell Lambert, Simon and Lizzie Trillo, Amy Price, Maxine Wiseman, Jackie and Jill Davies, John and Patti Leech and Gord Lambert.

Darrell said they were also grateful to Lucozade Ribena Suntory at Coleford who provided drinks for the challenge.