A 90-YEAR-OLD ex paratrooper from Bingley will mark the Queen’s 96th birthday by embarking on a 96-mile walking challenge for Alzheimer’s Society.

Intrepid Jeffrey Long MBE is battling blood cancer, arthritis and a back injury, but is determined to set his own problems aside to raise funds for people affected by dementia.

The great grandfather will set off on the walk from Centenary Square at noon on Thursday, April 21 – honouring both the Queen’s birthday and her forthcoming Platinum Jubilee on June 2.

Lord Mayor Shabir Hussain will be there to see him take his first steps.

Veteran fundraiser Jeffrey, who has raised a staggering £300,000 for charities in the past 15 years, plans to complete a series of walks in order to achieve his 96-mile goal.

He said: “I have a friend with dementia who is living in a care home now, so I know what a worthwhile cause this is.

“I’ve been living with blood cancer for four years and have daily chemotherapy.

“I was also recently diagnosed with arthritis and have to walk with a stick, but I’m not going to let any of that stop me.”

To make a donation, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jeffrey-long96