One man and his dog in Ridgeway charity walk

Phil Jones from Aldworth will camp out, with just his dog Danny for company, to walk 87 miles in four days.
Mr Jones, a 47-year-old computer programmer of Ambury Road, aims to raise at least £1,000 for the Berkshire Cancer Centre at Reading’s Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Mr Jones’ wife, Marny, was diagnosed with an aggressive, advanced breast cancer early in 2014, and underwent a gruelling nine months of treatment including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.
The couple were so impressed by the level of care at the Berkshire Cancer Centre, they want to give something back, to help others receive the same care in future.
Mr Jones said: “Everyone went above and beyond the level of care we expected. Not just the medical treatment, but the personal care and support was exceptional.
“We genuinely couldn’t have wished for better. The consultants, nurses, receptionists, volunteers and all the other staff were all so professional, supportive, caring and friendly that we actually miss them now that the bulk of Marny’s treatment is complete.”
He added: “In a situation where your mental, physical and emotional strength are stretched to the limit, it was great to have so many resources on hand, or at the other end of a phone line. There will be many, many more people who will find themselves thrown into the same situation that we found ourselves in last year, so I want to raise funds to help the Cancer Centre carry on providing the wonderful service that we enjoyed.”
Mr Jones has already raised half his target, four weeks before he sets off from Overton Hill, near Avebury, with rucksack, tent and hiking boots, with his faithful, 10-year-old border collie, Danny, at his side.
Mr Jones said: “Danny was born into an unwanted litter on a farm in Ireland. The whole litter was rescued and sent to England for rehoming. He had an awful start to his life, unable to digest normal dog food, and terrified of everything. With a lot of love and care, he’s become a dog to be proud of, although he is still frightened by loud noises and sudden movements.
“He’s as fit as the proverbial butcher’s dog, so I’ve no doubt he’ll cope with walking seven or eight hours a day much better than I will.”
Mr Jones, a former publican, has arranged to camp each night in a pub beer garden until he reaches his destination - Ivinghoe Beacon in Tring, Buckinghamshire.
He is due to set off on Thursday, February 26.
If you would like to support the venture, donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/1man1dog1tent or in person at The Bell Inn, Aldworth.