HOBBLING on crutches, 177 miles short of his target and a rescheduled April Fool’s Day trek.

Yes, all these things hold an uncanny connection for 62-year-old retired GP, Jeff Richards.

The devoted fundraiser, of Bishopton Drive, Macclesfield, was meant to be embarking on a 11 day walking trip in aid of the East Cheshire Hospice (ECH) Capital Appeal in a week’s time.

But despite being unable to make his official start point at Chepstow, the grandfather of four has still managed to raise a whopping £900 without taking a single step.

He said: "I was due to start and finish the Offa’s Dyke walk for the ECH Capital Appeal, but sprained my ankle severely whilst on a medical expedition course in the Lake District."

Jeff has now rescheduled the walk and pencilled it in for April Fool’s Day 2009 – but not without a surprise announcement.

He said: "As an incentive for people to sponsor me I will be matching the money I raise pound for pound. So far my friends have been great. Before I suffered the injury they were sponsoring me up front so that is why I have already raised £900. But really it is £1,800 as we speak, which is good."

All the money Jeff makes from now until he finishes his walk will go towards making the Millbank Drive charity a much improved care facility.

He added: "Way back, around 23 years ago, I was involved in the original planning of the hospice, and was one of the first doctors to work there. I still work as an on-call doctor and have nearly always had links with it in my 30 years in Macclesfield.  I think raising the £2.5million for the new building is achievable, but will take a huge effort from everyone.  We want the hospice to continue for another 21 years, beyond its 21st birthday year in 2009."

The father of three will journey from Chepstow to Prestatyn between April 1 and April 11, next year.

Jeff revealed: "Offa’s Dyke is one of the National Trails. It’s an eighth century boundary earthwork between Wales and the original English Kingdom of Mercia, some 177 miles in length.  What better charity to support than the ECH, or more precisely, the ‘Caring for Our Future Appeal’?"

With Jeff’s target from the walk standing at a minimum of £2,000, he looks sure to bring in over £4,000 for his beloved hospice when he gets round to some unfinished business next year.

Jeff also said he’s been receiving a bit of flack from wife Pamina, 66, a retired nurse. "My wife said I was behaving like a 25 year old when I slipped and had the accident, which is probably true. I’m back cycling and swimming and hope to progress with my walking soon, ahead of next year’s big walk."