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An East Dean resident who was told that he is ‘lucky to be alive’ is set to walk 50 miles in aid of a charity.

On March 9, John Wilton, aged 81, was transferred from Eastbourne District General Hopsital to St Thomas' Hospital in London.

He needed an urgent heart operation and his surgeon later told him he was lucky to be alive and had to learn to walk again.

Five months on and John is now walking 50 miles for a charity very close to his heart.

He is walking one mile a day and raising money for the Rotary International effort to help eradicate polio.

John is an experienced Rotarian and the three days of his walk will be October, 20, 21 and 22.

John said: "I may be 81 but I feel incredibly well. I'm a very proactive person and want to do something very positive.

‘Lucky to be alive’ Eastbourne district resident to walk 50 miles for charity