A MAN'S successful sponsored walk has given his Iranian niece the chance to have a vital operation.

Ray Asakereh, of St Peter's, Worcester, raised just over £500 by covering the 15 miles from Worcester to Bromsgrove in three hours last Saturday.

"I'm very happy with the walk and the support I have had from people has been overwhelming." said the 54 year-old.

He ran some of the distance along the A38, supported by vans from his employer, Niagra Blinds and Marl Bank Sheet Metal.

Mr Asakereh will make up the rest of the money himself to reach the £1,000 needed.

"I have spoken to my sister and she is over the moon. The operation will give my niece a normal quality of life" he said.

His 21-year-old niece, Mahtab, who lives in Abadan, Iran, has to take pain-killing injections to cope with a serious kidney infection. Without her uncle's generous help, she would not be able to have the operation that will end her suffering.