By Pamela McGowan

Published at 11:27, Friday, 14 September 2012

HE MAY have turned 80 but Gordon Melvin is not letting age slow him up.

Tarn target: Former police sergeant Gordon Melvin plans to walk 25 miles to raise money for the fight against cancer

The retired police sergeant who served for many years in west Cumbria is about to embark on a 25-mile charity walk in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Setting off at 7.30am on Tuesday, he will walk around Talkin Tarn, near Brampton, a total of 20 times in one day – adding up to just over 25 miles.

Mr Melvin, who lives in Carlisle with his wife Rhoda, says he keeps himself fit with regular walks.

It is only seven years since he ran his first 10k race in Cyprus. That time he ran for Macmillan nurses and even won a trophy for coming third in the over-70s category.

This time he decided to set himself a walking challenge.

“I do a lot of walking anyway so thought it would be good to set myself a goal and raise some money for the fight against cancer,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it. It might even become an annual event if I can stay fit.”

He and Rhoda have been married for almost 57 years and have three children and five grandchildren.

Since retiring, he has been keeping himself fit with regular walks – often to be seen trekking along Carlisle’s new bypass or even out to Burgh by Sands.

He chose Macmillan Cancer Support because so many people are affected by cancer. To sponsor him contact Sue McDonald at the charity’s city office on 01228 409186.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk