WITH a final effort, a big-hearted walker single-handedly raised £3,000 for new wheelchairs.

Mark Grooms, of Monarch Drive, in St John’s, Worcester was greeted by supporters 79 miles away in Somerset after a determined walk in aid of city adults with special needs.

The 40-year-old, who has raised more than £12,000 for charities over the past decade, was walking for residents with celebral palsy and the charity Scope.

“It went really well,” he said. “It was tough because I’m into my 40s, things seem generally harder.”

Over three days Mr Grooms walked a set distance of about 30 miles each day, before his back-up team drove him back home to Worcester each night.

He was then driven back to the start line for the next day’s walking, each morning.

On the first day he walked from St Peter’s, to the outskirts of Gloucester in under six hours.

On the final day he finished on the main promenade, opposite the new pier development.

“The toughest bit was the first day, I think I under-estimated the distance and effort and set off at quite a quick pace. After that I slowed down a bit.”

The cash will pay for three specially-adapted wheelchairs for people living in sheltered accommodation in St Peter’s.

To find out more about Scope work in the city call Andrew Deakin on 01905 611147.