AN ABERGAVENNY ex-solider whose fundrasing for charity has topped the £200,000 mark over the years battled the elements to complete what is most probably his last challenge.

At the ripe old age of 73, Ian Waddell, should be putting his feet up after many years of service, but instead he laced up his walking boots once again to raise more than £800 for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association.

Battlling arthritis, the former Parachute Regiment soldier braved cold northerly winds during the Big Black Mountain challenge just over a week ago, which started and finished at Llanthony.

The pensioner admits the distance of 27 miles was a struggle in the elements, but words of encouragement from friends and a few cups of hot soup helped him through.

Approaching his 74th birthday, the veteran is now recovering at his Monmouth Road home following the exertions.

He said: "Despite the pain in my right foot I defied the odds to do it so I'm happy about that and hopefully I have raised the profile on BLESMA locally."

Mr Waddell completed the challenge in around 11 hours and he added he was overwhelmed by the support people gave him after reading his story in the Argus.