A CHARITY fundraiser who has spent months walking to work instead of catching the bus is nearing the end of his journey.

Since the summer Clive Lancaster has walked between his Chester-le-Street home and his work at Sainsbury’s, at the Arnison Centre, Pity Me, Durham.

He is raising money for the MS Trust in support of colleague Liz Hilland, of Nettlesworth, who has MS herself but has raised £15,000 for the charity.

The final leg of the 539-mile trek will be a walk from the supermarket to Newcastle’s Tyne Bridge on Saturday, October 18.

At the bridge Mrs Hilland and 33 others will do a zip-wire ride for the MS Trust.

The pair hope to raise £1,810.14 to match the date of their final day of fundraising.

Mr Lancaster normally catches Go North East’s Angel 21 bus to work and the firm is supporting his efforts with a competition for a month’s free bus travel.

Mr Lancaster said: “I’ve worked with Liz for a long time and I’ve been inspired by her determination and courage since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which is why I set myself the challenge to walk 539 miles.”

Mrs Hilland said: “Clive has been absolutely fantastic, as have all my colleagues and Sainsbury’s – I can’t fault them.”

Mark Ellis, development manager at Go North East said: “I walked with Clive and Liz this week and was moved when I heard some of the stories that Liz had to tell of her experience with MS and the changes it’s made to her life and everyday routine.

“She’s one determined lady, that’s for sure, and talking to her has certainly made me think and we hope their awareness campaign makes others think too.”

Donations can be made at virginmoneygiving.com/CliveLancaster