A 90-YEAR-OLD former paratrooper from Bradford is marking the Queen’s 96th birthday by embarking on a 96-mile charity walking challenge.

Intrepid Jeffrey Long MBE, of Bingley, is raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK, two charities that help people affected by dementia.

The great grandfather set off on the walk from Centenary Square in Bradford at noon yesterday – honouring both the Queen’s birthday and her forthcoming Platinum Jubilee on June 2.

Bradford Lord Mayor, Cllr Shabir Hussain, was there to see him take his first steps.

Veteran fundraiser Jeffrey, who has raised £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.

“It is a condition that not only affects the person who has it – it can have a devastating impact on their family and friends too.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so by visiting his Just Giving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/jeffrey-long96