AN epic 111-mile walk to culminate at the top of the Rock of Gibraltar has been completed successfully by a Bradford soldier and his nephew.

Warrant Officer Craig Dignam, 53, from Woodside, Bradford, and his nephew, Corporal Danny O'Connor, a corporal based in South Cerney, had trained extensively to complete the equivalent of just over four marathons in four days which saw them set off from Torrox, in Malaga, on April 17.

The pair aimed to raise at least £2,000 through a fundraising page for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) who help homeless veterans.

But that target was soon smashed as support gathered along the route and they soon topped £5,500, including more than £4,826 on a JustGiving fundraising page.

Craig said about the task they had set themselves.

"Danny and I had previous undergone lots of walking to prepare for this and the weather conditions were quite good for walking; not the expected 25 degrees plus.

"We walked 42 miles on day one to Benalmadena which was exhausting, it took us 13 hours with a couple of 20 minute water/ food stops on the way.

"Day two was less mileage only 30 on this day. We finished walking by 5.30pm and reached day two’s destination San Pedro De Alcantara in good state.

"Day three was a shorter distance from San Pedro De Alcantara to San Diego. It was testing as the heavens opened and drenched us, but it was light relief in the end.

"Day four was euphoric with Danny and I hyped up ready to complete the walk of our lives which started a little later only because the distance was significantly less that all the previous days. We were joined by Dave and Andy, two expats living in Duquesa, who walked alongside the entire distance until we reached La Linea on the beach. Seeing the Rock in the distance was a real pick-me-up.

"Two lads from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment greeted us at the Spain/Gibraltar Border at 2.45pm hrs. All we had to do now was walk to the top of the Rock.

"We absolutely met this with renewed energy having other people completing the final four miles with us. We conquered the Rock at 4.25pm on Saturday, April 20."

Craig initially joined the Army as a 17 year old in 1983 after attending Woodside Middle School and later Buttershaw Upper School. He joined the local Armoured Corps Regiment 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, later transferring to the Royal Army Pay Corps. Currently he’s with the Adjutant General Corps, based near Warminster, but has served with many units and most branches.

Danny joined the army 10 years ago and is with the Royal Logistics Corps.

"The overall experience was extremely hard but at the same time unbelievably rewarding knowing we had raised a good sum of money to help the charity.

"We are definitely repeating this again next year, however we intend to make it even bigger.

“Many years away from family did take its toll on me, but I knew that I was a member of a very special family, who for the last 37 years have supported me and my family through some very poignant times," said Craig.

"I’m very fortunate to be still serving and I’m very proud to able to still make a difference within the Armed Forces.”

The fundraising page is still open. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/craig-dignam3