A SPRIGHTLY walking enthusiast is planning to scale the heights in support of a good cause to mark his 80th birthday.

Edward Williams, from Guarlford, plans to ascend 8,000 feet up the Malvern Hills in just three days to raise money for a school for blind girls in Bangladesh.

Between Monday and Wednesday, June 11-13, his daily route will take him to the summit of the Worcestershire Beacon, before dropping back down and then returning to the top of the hills to walk the ridge along to British Camp.

Mr Edwards is no stranger to charity challenges, having tackled a 75km walk on the hills for his 75th birthday.Despite the demands of the upcoming challenge, he says he is up to the task.

“Twice a week I walk up the side of the hills to keep my lungs and legs in condition,” he said. “It won’t be easy but I think I will enjoy it.”

In the 1960s Mr Williams taught physics in a college near Calcutta, India, and then was a Baptist minister for 28 years in Birmingham and Alcester.

In 1993 he and his wife Rosemary led a three-week tour of Bangladesh and India and were particularly impressed by the school for 90 blind girls in Dhaka, run by Bangladesh Baptists.

The small group, of no more than 20, has been supporting the school ever since that tour, to date raising about £43,000.

Mr Edwards is appealing for sponsorship for his 80th birthday challenge so he can add even more to the cause, and he and his wife plan to add 25 per cent to the total raised.

Anyone who would like to make a donation, or learn more information, should contact Mr Williams at 12 Penny Lane, Guarlford, Malvern, WR13 6PG or by emailing eandrwilliams@btinternet.com.

Cheques should be made payable to ‘Alcester Baptist Church’, which hosts the support group.

For more details visit alcesterbaptist.org.uk/blindschoolinbangladesh.htm.