Arthur Newnes checks his route with Gwen Bain before setting off from Pringles in Llanfairpwll

Over the past couple of years Arthur Newnes, 73, has raised more than �100,000 for both Hope House in Shropshire and Tŷ Gobaith in Conwy.

The former garage owner will walk an average of 15 miles a day, and hopes to raise more than �2,000.

"Arthur is a huge asset for us," said Eluned Yaxley, from Hope House.

I've always raised money for charity because I think I'm the richest man in the world if I have my health Arthur Newnes

Mr Newnes' sponsored walk marks 10 years since Hope House in Oswestry first opened its doors.

Since then they have cared for 400 seriously ill children and their families from north and mid Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire.

"I've always raised money for charity because I think I'm the richest man in the world if I have my health," said Mr Newnes.

Speed limit

In the past, he has walked the equivalent of five marathons in five days. He feels this weeks' effort should be easier.

"There's no speed limit on this, I'll do it at my own pace. I will finish it though, even if the weather turns, I'll be out there every day" he added.

Following the success of Hope House, Tŷ Gobaith, the first children's hospice in North Wales, was opened in Conwy last year to care for terminally ill youngsters living in the area.

As well as sponsored walks Mr Newnes organises different fund-raising events, ranging from keyboard playing, car boot sales, and after dinner speaking.