PUTTING his best foot forward has been rewarding in two ways for St John Ambulance and James Hopkins charity supporter Richard Pike.

In a year, the Blakeney man has tramped his way to a weight loss of over six stones while raising £700 for the two good causes.

Mr Pike launched his fitness campaign last January. Determined to take part in the 24-mile St John Ambulance Cotswold Way Challenge, he decided he first had to shed some weight and trim his 6ft 4inch and 24 stone 10lb figure.

He explained: "It started on New Year's Day. I walked up my hill and into the Forest and have not stopped walking since!".

Mr Pike started working with St John Ambulance and the James Hopkins Trust in his capacity as manager of the Gloucestershire Lottery. During a meeting about the lottery the Cotswold Way Challenge came up in conversation.

He walked off four and half stones in time for the Challenge last June and since then he has shed a further two stones - and signed up for next year's Challenge.

Urging other people to "get fit", Mr Pike says signing up for the Challenge is an ideal target to kick-start a fitness campaign.

"There's no better challenge, it's well organised, clear to follow and the marshalling is superb," he says.

Walkers have the opportunity to walk two, six, 13 or 24-mile routes and those taking part include families, work colleagues and many St John supporters.

In addition to the Cotswold Challenge, John is also planning to take part in the 2012 London Marathon.

*To support Mr Pike visit his Facebook page 'Support Richard Pike running London Marathon' and his JustGiving page http://www.justgiving.com/">www.justgiving.com/ Richard-Pike1