THE formerhead of life long learning at the Farncombe Estate in Broadway, south Worcestershire,is tomake Worcester one ofhis first stops on a round-Britain tour on horseback.

William Reddaway hopes to raise £250,000 for Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre and the Family Holiday Association on the six-month challenge covering 2,500 miles.

William plans to ride 125 miles a week and has been offered accommodation for him and horse Strider along the route. He plans to shop locally and use local farriers and vets.

A highlight of his tour will be a visit to Worcester Cathedral on Thursday, May 16, when he hopes people will be generous and contribute to his fund-raising.

“ The challenge for me is to ride my horse Strider across the country from four corners of England going through towns and cities and visiting 30 cathedrals and abbeys on the way,” said William, aged 65.

“Children, young people and families should have smiles and laughter but the financial and social obstacles that many are forced to overcome can make things more challenging, so laughter can be hard to find.

“ I want people to help me raise funds for the Family Holiday Association, which helps hundreds in dire circumstances to have a simple break.

“Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre brings the transforming power of horses and ponies to inner London children and young people who face physical mental or social challenges.”

William, who plans to visit Gloucester Cathedral on Monday, May 13, and Hereford Cathedral on Wednesday, May 15, has ridden since he was a child.

He estimates the trip will cost about £65,000, which includes the purchase of Strider, his tack and 12 months’ keep, the cost of B&Bs along the way, the maps, the special website he has created, admin and legal costs, printing, feed and farriery.

“Although I am paying for some of this,I am looking for supporters who can provide things for free and for cash which will be used to pay for things.”

William has set up a company – A Ride Round England – which will receive support money and any funds left will go to charity.

William hopes to arrive at Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre on Friday, September 6, and to complete the ride in November.

People can donate online to the two charities and so far William has raised more than £22,000.

You can find him on Facebook Ride Round England.