TWO sisters have set a challenge to walk eight miles, 81 times, in memory of their grandad.

Sisters Lucy and Emily Hubbard set the challenge - Arthurs Home to Home 2020 - to raise money for Midlands Air Ambulance in remembrance of their grandad, Arthur John Beale, who died on December 10 last year.

Arthur, also known as John, grew up in Old Hollow, Malvern, before moving to St Johns, in Worcester, in 1975 with his wife Mair.

Emily, aged 31, said: "He was just the most lovely man. I'll forever miss his advice, quick wit and endless kindness and support. We wanted to do something positive in his memory."

Lucy, 28, said: “He was a very patient and kind man, my grandad. He wanted to do everything for everyone.

"That day, the Midlands Air Ambulance team were nothing short of amazing and as a family we couldn’t have asked for more."

Emily, from Worcester, added: “You never know when you or someone you love will need them. We have masses of respect for what they do and are just hugely grateful."

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Joined by other members of his family, friends and colleagues, they have pledged to walk the eight-mile distance between Arthur’s childhood home and his family home 81 times during 2020 - one walk for each year of his life.

The sisters went on their first charity walk on Tuesday, January 28, in which would have been Arthur’s 82nd birthday.

The pair plan to complete the challenge on December 10 to mark the anniversary of the day Arthur died.

Arthur was a retired engineer, most recently working for Metal Castings Ltd, in Droitwich Road, before he retired at the age of 65.

If you wish to donate to the cause, visit the Facebook fundraiser page at Facebook.com/arthursh2h

The Midlands Air Ambulance have responded to over 2000 call outs in the past year, each one costing an average of £2,500. The charity relies entirely on the support of local people and businesses.