JIM Morton has now walked almost 8,500 miles on his trek around the entire British coastline.

The Penistone dad-of-three set off back in April 12, 2021 the day after the Covid lockdown ended to fulfil a lifelong dream and to raise money for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

More than 520 days later, Jim, 62, is nearing the end of his marathon effort and on Monday climbed Mount Snowdon which saw him complete the three peaks’ challenge during his journey.

Travelling in a motorhome with his wife Sue and dogs Shona and Maisie, Jim is aiming to raise £50,000 for the Gurkhas from his walk of a lifetime.

Back in 1967, Jim, then aged seven, watched a programme about lighthouses, developed a love for them and decided that one day he would undertake the walk and see them all.

The retired Royal Navy sailor estimated that his journey would be 7,500 miles but, at the end of day 519, he had covered 8,409 with approximately 350 miles to go.

To date, Jim - who has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award - has raised almost £26,000 and is aiming to be back home on September 30.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, Jim said: “As of now, I have 337 miles still to walk and in just 17 days that's a big ask but I am aiming to be back in Penistone for 2.30pm on Friday 30th."

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Jim and Sue are keen to take up babysitting duties for their youngest grandchild: “When we set off we had two grandchildren and now have four so we will have some babysitting to catch up on. It has been an amazing experience, it’s not about the places, it’s all about the people we have met along the way.

“We have met people who will be friends for life they have invited us into their homes and within five minutes our washing has been in their washing machine, cooked us meals and helped us in so many ways.”