Mike Vallance decided last year to trek 500km and raise £5,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund, which provides financial and practical support to soldiers and their families.

But when he found out that Stratford soldier Pte Joe Whittaker, who was killed in Helmand Province in June, had attended some of the same schools as his daughters, he chose to raise his target and donate all proceeds in Pte Whittaker’s memory.

Mr Vallance said: “This sad news really brought home the realities of what our troops are facing every day in Iraq and Afghanistan and made me even more determined to raise some additional money for the Army Benevolent Fund.

“I reached out to Joe's mother and sister and offered to dedicate this fundraising effort to his memory and this received their full support.”

The fund’s 500 Trek Challenge requires Mr Vallance, 45, to walk at least 500km in marathon walking events around Europe.

So far he has walked 485 km and has one final event to complete - the Berlin marathon, in which he will power-walk 42km in 6.5 hours as part of the ABF team.

Pte Whittaker’s mother Naomi has given her support to Mr Vallance. She said: “To complete the ABF 500 Trek Challenge is a very worthwhile achievement. I have great admiration for what Mike Vallance is doing; I am honoured and touched that his incredible fundraising efforts are to be dedicated to Joe’s memory. I wish him all the best in the final stage of his own tribute to all our troops serving in the British Army.”

www.justgiving.com/ michaelvallance

www.armybenfund.org

l People in Warwick tonight (Friday) can raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund by eating pies, drinking beer - and reading poetry. To tie in with the Warwick Words literary festival, members of the public can drink beer and eat pies at the Zetland Arms in Church Street, but must bring along a piece of poetry to read. There will also be entertainment from former Birmingham poet laureate Spoz and Stratford duo Kidnap Jack.