An 83-year-old man has beaten his fundraising target during a walking challenge, raising money for Alzheimer's Research UK.

Harry Johnson, of Clay Cross, has been taking daily walks around his hometown in an attempt to walk 30 miles in September as part of a fundraising challenge.

This is the third year that the super fundraiser has been raising money with a similar challenge for the Alzheimer's charity.

Harry said: “Over the last three years I’ve attached collecting cans on to my crutches and ambled around Clay Cross to raise money. We also hold a concert at Clay Cross Social Centre.

Harry was given permission to set up a stall at the entrance of Tesco to encourage shoppers to donate.

placeholder image — Harry was given permission to set up a stall at the entrance of Tesco to encourage shoppers to donate.

“Over the last two years I’ve managed to raise £7,300, so my aim this year was to do the 30 miles and also wanted to raise £2,700 so that I could say that over the three years I had raised, £10,000.”

Through his fundraising cans, a Justgiving page and a QR code, the Clay Cross resident smashed his target with days to spare, with the current total standing of just over £3,615.

Harry described the generosity of the people of Clay Cross and of North East Derbyshire as a whole as “absolutely fantastic.”

He said: “They are an absolute dream really. I want to say a big, big thank you.

Harry with neighbours Julie and Sylwia on the morning of his first walk.

“They have been so supportive of me and are all just such wonderful people.”

The charity became important to Harry three years ago after his wife Lucy was diagnosed with the condition.

Lucy passed away on Boxing Day last year.

Harry said: “Really, I’d lost Lucy two years ago.

Harry out and about with Councillor Charlotte Cupitt

“I was just ‘duck’. She didn’t know me as Harry or as her husband or even that we were married anymore. But, on our 60th wedding anniversary we received a card from the Queen, and that’s in pride of place. So hopefully she knew something about it.”

Over the past month, he has managed to walk 41 miles– over 10 miles of his initial target.

Walking any distance is a struggle for the 83-year-old due to two crushed discs in his spine and he relies on crutches to help him get around.

Now the walking part of his fundraiser has been completed, Harry, with the help of Clay Cross Parish Council will be presenting a concert at Clay Cross Social Centre on October 12.

The evening will include entertainment from Harry's neighbour Julie who will be performing under her stage name, Renayah, as well as a pie and pea supper, bar and raffle. The proceeds of the evening will also be going to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Tickets for the event are four pounds each and can be bought from the CCPC office in the Social Centre.

Harry said: “I also want to thank Clay Cross Parish Council for allowing me to put on these concerts at the Social Centre. I would also like to give grateful thanks to the late Gerry Morely, as it was he who I sorted out the booking with. But yes, the council have also been absolutely fantastic.”