A RETIRED Colden Common man has completed a gruelling 589 mile walking and cycling challenge.

Former motor trader Barry Baker, 67, did the challenge to raise funds for eight-year-old Keeley Cullen from Marchwood who needs £50,000 for a life changing operation.

She was born eight weeks premature and was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy at 2 years old which gives her painful muscle tightness in her legs, she has been recommended for an operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) which will help her walk.

Mr Baker said: “I found out about Keeley’s plight through my son, Daniel. His band, The Morphic Fields, had agreed to do a reunion gig in Southampton to raise funds for her. He told me all about the Keeley’s Wishes Appeal which was attempting to raise money for the operation.

“The procedure that she required is not available through the NHS, which means that many children who have spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, like Keeley, continue to struggle with their mobility.

“I have three grown up sons and four grandchildren and I know how important their health is to me, so I felt that I had to help in some way.”

He is a regular walker and cyclist after he changed his lifestyle following a health scare a number of years ago.

It was his new found fitness, he says, that inspired his 589 mile challenge.

Mr Baker said:“Since undergoing major surgery I’ve become much more active and it occurred to me that I could put my cycling and walking to good use, supporting Keeley.”

To find out more or sponsor Barry www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Barrys589miles