A CARE home resident in Darlington who was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore to walk for charity has completed his challenge – by walking over 250 lengths of the home’s garden in a month.

Steven Holliday, 58, started walking up and down the garden at Cygnet Redlands, in Woodland Road, during the recent lockdown, completing up to 18 lengths a day, and has already raised £75 for charity.

After finishing the final 40 lengths of his walk before the official end of the lockdown on December 2, he is devoting the money he raises to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Steven was inspired by the Walk and Talk with Captain Tom campaign, which was launched as England entered the second lockdown and urged people to share their journeys, whether it was 100 laps like Second World War veteran Sir Tom, a marathon, or a toddler’s first steps.

Mr Holliday said: “I wanted to do my bit to help. I planned to do eight lengths a day, but some days managed to do 18. I’m feeling really healthy and I’m pleased that even half way through it had already raised money for the charity. I’m hoping now that I’ve finished, I’ll be able to add to that.”

Support worker Evelyn Griffiths has been among those cheering him on. She said: “Steven has done really well. We’ve all been really impressed and some days the staff walked with him, to show our support. Quite often, he’ll play music while he’s walking so we all know when he’s outside, and cheer him on.

“Doing the challenge has also made a difference to Steven. It gave him a focus during lockdown and improved his physical health. We’re all really proud of him.”

Sir Tom Moore, who set out last April to walk laps of his garden with the aim of raising £1,000 for the NHS by his 100th birthday, eventually raised almost £33m after his walk captured global attention.

The Alzheimer’s Society, which Mr Holliday is supporting, uses donations to challenge perceptions around dementia, fund research and improve care and support. It is estimated that by 2021, more than one million people in the UK will be living with dementia.

Cygnet Redlands supports people who are living with a learning disability and complex needs, and those with associated mental or physical health needs. Residents may be moving on from a stay at an NHS or other learning disability service or may need more support than can be offered in a supported living environment.