A DETERMINED charity fundraiser who is trekking from Ipswich to the northernmost tip of Scotland is today well on the road to completing his gruelling challenge.

A DETERMINED charity fundraiser who is trekking from Ipswich to the northernmost tip of Scotland is today well on the road to completing his gruelling challenge.

Steve Miller set off on his 700-mile blister-inducing walk two weeks ago in aid of Ipswich's St Elizabeth Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support and the RNLI.

The 43-year-old, who only has a sleeping bag and a change of clothes with him, left Lincoln yesterday and expects to reach York within the next five days.

He anticipates reaching his final destination in early October.

He said: “The weather has been excellent and I am having a wonderful time.

“It's been so peaceful, I haven't been so relaxed in ages.

“I have spent every night under the stars, usually in whichever hedgerow looks the most attractive.”

Mr Miller, of Old Foundry Road, Ipswich, admits to being slightly behind schedule, having enjoyed the odd detour along the way.

He said: “I should be a bit further along, but I spent a day in Cambridge and another in King's Lynn, which was lovely.”

And despite walking up to 25 miles a day, he said his feet are in remarkably good shape.

He added: “My feet were sore for a while when they got wet as I was walking along a canal path, but apart from one small blister, they have been fine.

“I walk from when I wake up, from 4am onwards, until when I feel like packing it in, but I make sure I take lots of breaks in between.”

He estimates he is a quarter of the way through his journey - dubbed Steve Aid - although the pace will slow considerably when he reaches the Scottish Highlands as he attempts to conquer steep mountain ranges.

Mr Miller, who reckons he has already raised “quite a bit”, has set himself a target of collecting more than £10,000.

He has walked all over Europe and South East Asia, and cites his biggest challenge as a trek across the Pyrenees into Andorra while being attacked by vultures.

To sponsor Steve, send cheques made payable to one of the three charities he is supporting to 16 Old Foundry Road, Ipswich, IP4 2AS.

Are you undertaking an unusual challenge? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk