A MAGISTRATE and former chairman of Drax Golf Club is preparing to undertake an epic trek across the Middle East to raise money for charity.

Bill Scott, from Gowdall, will be one of a group of 30 taking part in the walk from Dana, a village in Jordan, to the ancient ruins of Petra, walking for seven to nine hours each day for seven days to cover the 100km distance.

The 66-year-old said: “I got involved after reading about a soldier called Lance Corporal Rodney Wilson, who was shot in the back and was paralysed from the waist down. A friend who went to rescue him was shot and killed.

“The paralysed soldier was told he would not walk again but after a lot of effort he did in fact learn to walk again, and walked up Mount Kilimanjaro with four of his disabled colleagues and raised a lot of money for Help For Heroes. So I thought if he can do it, I can walk up a small mountain and across a bit of sand even at my mature years.”

Bill has already begun preparing for October’s trip, which will take in 1400m mountain ranges, deserts, and ruins dating back to 4,000BC. Each of the team members hope to raise just over £3,000, so a grand total of £100,000 can be donated to the charity on completion.

Although Bill has already exceeded his target, he hopes to raise even more for the cause, with a silent auction also being held, with prizes including a ‘Red Letter Day’ balloon ride with a value of £400, a Christmas dinner for four at the Drax Sport and Social Club worth up to £200, and a Waterman Paris fountain pen, currently going for £40.

To make an offer on any of the items, contact Bill on 01405 862189, or email blinky22@hotmail.co.uk before August 21, while donations to the trekkers can me made at bmycharity.com/billscott