CAPTAIN Mike Irving FNI is taking an active part in Rotary's fundraising Christmas event – at the age of 85.

He will be using his rollator to help contribute to walking the 10,000 miles Stokesley Rotary has set as a target to raise money for local charities. These miles are the equivalent to walking round mainland Britain, and members are hoping for sponsorship for Rotarians, associates and friends.

The project started on September 13, the date of the Not the Great North Run, and will finish at Christmas. It was inspired by Rotary's successful Walk for Water campaign in September 2019.

Captain Mike was the founder president of the Rotary Club of Stokesley when it began 40 years ago and members are delighted he is taking part.

He lives on Tameside, Stokesley, and walks one to one and a half miles daily around the estate and enjoys chatting to the locals en route. As a member of Rotary he, and three other members, started Spiota (Stokesley Pride in our Town Association) which ensures Stokesley is a riot of colourful flowers throughout the year.

He has continuously been involved with the District Rotary Disabled Games which are run in Eston each summer.

After his retirement he became a lecturer on cruise ships and has travelled the world extensively. Unfortunately he was taken seriously ill on a trip three and a half years ago and was airlifted to a hospital in Singapore where he stayed for several weeks until he was well enough to be sent home to continue his recovery. He made the choice not to cruise again.

"I am very keen to be involved in the walking project, as local charities tend to lose out to national ones" he said. "Being in Rotary is being a member of a very worthwhile group and I have enjoyed the friendships I have made."

Sponsor Stokesley Rotary and Captain Mike by clicking here