Fareham pensioner completes garden challenge after being inspired by Captain Tom Moore

Ted Pallister, 83, took on the challenge after seeing the heart-warming exploits of the World War Two centenarian who raised more than £30m for the NHS.

Ted, who has COPD and had a triple-heart bypass, said: ‘I’ve been having to self-isolate due to coronavirus and was getting frustrated about not going out. I spoke to my son who said “look at what Captain Tom has done” and to do my own garden challenge. I thought if a 100-year-old can do it then why can’t I?’

Ted used the walk to raise money for the charity, Action Against Age-related Macular Degeneration (MD) - a cause close to his heart. With 685,000 people in the UK struggling with significant sight loss due to MD, the charity is pioneering treatments for the condition.

‘I suffer from dry MD and I get an injection which helps to keep if at bay. Unfortunately my wife has wet MD and the injections no longer work,’ said Ted.

Wife Margaret, 76, who is now registered blind, added: ‘I got diagnosed about four years ago and 18 months ago my consultant told me my eyes had not got any better and the treatment was not working.

‘It has been quite debilitating – I can no longer read or see photographs.’

Ted initially wanted to cover 350 laps over seven days, but extended the challenge after ‘completing the laps in just four days’. The former Hampshire Royal Regiment servicemen completed his challenge on VE Day.

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‘Each lap is around 300 yards. I put lollipop sticks on the garden table to count of the number of laps completed. I thought I might raise £40 but the total is now about £400,’ said Ted.

To raise money, Ted’s son Chris set up a gofundme page.

Chris said: ‘I actually suggested the idea to dad as I felt guilty about being out on a walk. As well as being for a great cause it has really prevented him from getting bored and depressed.’