A PLUCKY pensioner who followed in the footsteps of Captain Tom Moore by completing a 150-mile walking challenge celebrated with a well deserved pint down the pub.

Keith Simons, 81, started trekking two miles a day with his trusty walking frame in April – despite suffering from arthritis in his back and knees.

He had vowed to take part in the Brain Tumour Charity’s Conquer the Challenge after tragically losing two of his closest family members.

Son Paul and ex-wife and lifelong friend Susan both died within weeks of each other from glioblastoma, the most common aggressive form of brain tumour in adults.

They were both diagnosed within 48 hours of each other and died in 2018.

Paul was just 42 when he lost his battle, weeks before his second wedding anniversary.

Susan, 77, died 11 weeks after her son.

The Brain Tumour Charity asked supporters to walk, run, or cycle 88 miles for the 88,000 people in the UK living with a brain tumour.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

  • TEAM: Richard Lee-Douglas, Nikki Saunders, Keith Simons, Jamie Smith, Sarah Simons and Paul Ferrett

Keith, from Maldon, set his sights even higher at 150 miles and hoped to raise £2,500.

Now he has completed the epic challenge and smashed his target, with almost £7,300 pledged.

Keith even nicknamed his walking frame ‘CT’ in memory of record-breaking fundraiser Captain Tom Moore.

As he completed his last lap, he was joined by daughter Nikki Saunders, daughter-in-law Sarah Fitzgerald-Simons and close friends and family, who clapped him over the line.

Nikki said: "He enjoyed a well deserved pint and celebration at the Queen Victoria afterwards.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

  • Last leg: Sarah Simons, Keith Simons and Nikki Saunders on the final lap

"To date he has raised almost £7,300 but more importantly raised awareness of the Brain Tumour Charity, which is close to his heart as he lost his son Paul and ex-wife Susan within weeks of each other to this cruel disease.

"Dad has been so grateful and overwhelmed by the local community's support, especially All Saints' Primary School who came out to cheer him on and made a generous donation from the pupils and staff.

"Special thanks also James and the team at the Queen Victoria, Neil and the team at Church amd Hawes, Cooper Court, and Rhys at Profound Barbers, whose kindness will never be forgotten."

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

  • CHEQUE IN: Keith Simons with Claire Howell, of the Brain Tumour Charity