A 90-year-old former paratrooper from Bingley has completed a 96-mile walking challenge to mark the Queen’s 96th birthday and Platinum Jubilee.

Intrepid Jeffrey Long MBE was congratulated by Bradford’s new Lord Mayor, Cllr Martin Love, when he arrived outside City Hall on Friday at the end of his journey.

He achieved the remarkable feat despite battling blood cancer, arthritis and a back injury, and has so far raised almost £2,000 for Alzheimer’s Society, setting his own problems aside to help people affected by dementia.

The veteran fundraiser, who has raised a staggering £300,000 for charities in the past 15 years, completed a series of walks to reach his 96-mile goal.

He said: “It’s wonderful to have finally completed my journey to honour my Queen, and to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

“I don’t mind admitting it’s been tough going at times, and a little painful too, but I never doubted I’d make it.

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

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

“I’ve got my share of health problems. I’ve been living with blood cancer for four years and have daily chemotherapy, and I still stuffer with back pain from an injury I sustained parachuting back in 1954.

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

The Lord Mayor said:“It is great to greet Jeffrey on his return from his walk.  He has raised so much money for some great causes over the years and continues to do so.  This is an amazing achievement.”

Julie Lee, community fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society in West Yorkshire, said: “What Jeffrey has achieved is nothing short of remarkable. His incredible fundraising effort will help us to reach more people through our vital support services, like our Dementia Connect support line. And I’m sure he will inspire others through his example.

“He has raised an astonishing amount for charities over the years and we’re thrilled that he chose to support Alzheimer’s Society for his latest challenge.”

Jeffrey began fundraising in 2007, when he walked 650 miles from London to Lausanne in Switzerland in 39 days, carrying a 30kg backpack, to raise money for the Royal British Legion. He was awarded an MBE in 2009 for his voluntary work.

The money he raises through his latest challenge will be shared between Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK.

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