A former Bristol City physiotherapist has trekked more than 100 miles from Barnstaple to Bristol to raise funds for the city's children's hospice.

Harold "Buster" Footman decided to tackle the route after he was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer and advised to build up his muscles.

Mr Footman, 71, works as a gardener at the Downs School at Wraxall, near Charlton Farm Children's Hospice, and felt it was the ideal charity for him to support.

He had hoped to embark on the challenge last summer but had to undergo a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy first, and then wanted to wait for the spring light.

Mr Footman says he feels fine now and never really felt ill. He believes he is lucky the cancer was picked up from a blood test during a routine health check.

The former Royal Marine completed his walk from the original Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) site in Devon, Little Bridge House, to the Wraxall hospice yesterday, with his 17-year-old nephew Joe Heritage.

Several other supporters joined them for stages of the walk.

Mr Footman, of Portishead, hopes to raise about £5,000 for the charity, which provides respite breaks for the families of youngsters with life-limiting conditions.

An auction is being held next week, which should add to the £3,000 he has already been pledged.

Mr Footman was welcomed by staff and children from The Downs School as he walked into Charlton Drive, as well as his wife Connie, and was treated to tea and cake when he reached the hospice.

He said: "I have been absolutely delighted with the way it has gone.

"There were a couple of times when we got absolutely drowned by the rain, but it was a very interesting walk with beautiful scenery.

"There was a nice reception when we arrived at the school and the hospice and that made it all worthwhile."