A BINGLEY man who has raised over £300,000 for armed forces charities has been nominated for a Sporting Excellence Award.

Jeffrey Long MBE, who has a distinguished history of charity fundraising, mainly through epic walking challenges, is one of four finalists in the Sporting Excellence category of the Soldiering On Awards 2021.

The finalists have been chosen from a record-breaking 275 individuals, partnerships and organisations nominated for an award.

Jeffrey served in The Paras for seven years but left the Army due to a back injury. Proud of his service record, Jeffrey wears combat gear on all his fundraising activities – which, to date, have raised over £300,000 for forces charities.

For the past four years, Jeffrey has been challenged by cancer, coupled with a long-term back injury sustained during parachuting while in service.

Yet on March 13, 2021, aged 89, he began a 190-mile charity walk in celebration of both 100 years of The Royal British Legion and 90 years for Support Our Paras.

Jeffrey's walking exploits are a testament to his sporting prowess - none more so than his 650-mile walk from London to Switzerland, aged 75.

His other triumphs include a 12km assault course, a 127-mile walk from Liverpool to Leeds and 100 miles in ten days between 10 RAF Stations.

His services were recognised in a private letter from the Prime Minister, and in 2018, he won the prestigious Times Sternbeck award.

During lockdown and within Covid guidelines, Jeffrey walked 2.6 miles a day for ten consecutive days for the London Marathon Challenge, plus hundreds of miles for The Lifeboats and RAF Benevolent Fund.

A spokesperson for the Soldiering On Awards said: “Jeffrey has proven exceptional strength of character, perseverance, tolerance and above all humility, and is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. He has been honoured with an MBE and an award from RBL in recognition of his outstanding services to charity.

“Jeffrey Long MBE is a truly legendary character with a lively disposition, compassion and a wicked sense of humour. Approaching 90, he sees no relevance in age and will continue to walk as long as possible. His perseverance, energy and self-belief are an inspiration to all.”

Jeffrey will be part of a public vote which finishes on Sunday, August 8, at 8pm.

To vote for Jeffrey, visit soldieringon.org. The winner of the vote will be announced in a virtual winners’ ceremony on October 14.