A man who discovered a passion for walking will cross some of London’s most iconic bridges to raise money for Diabetes UK.

Bhagesh Valambhia, from Harrow, will walk over 12 bridges, totalling a distance of ten miles on October 1.

His journey begins in Battersea Park and takes him across London Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, past world-famous sights such as Big Ben, London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral and ends up with a trip across Tower Bridge.

Bhagesh explained how he is completing the challenge to celebrate reaching his own health milestones and in honour of his mother, who has Type 1 diabetes.

He said: “My new hobby of walking every weekend has helped my health tremendously.

“In addition to training walks, this year I have done the London to Brighton 100km Challenge, the St Basil’s charity walk, a trek up Mount Snowdon and the 2017 Thames Path Challenge – all for various charities.

“My weight has gone down from a hefty 95kgs to a healthier 83kgs and I feel wonderful.

“Now I want to do something for Diabetes UK. I’m really looking forward to the London Bridges Challenge.”

Diabetes UK frequently encourages people to keep fit and active and it sees walking as an ideal way of achieving this.

Not only will this reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes but it makes it easier for those with the condition to manage it.

Roz Rosenblatt, head of London for Diabetes UK, said she was “delighted” to have Bhagesh on board for the challenge and that he had chosen to fundraise for the charity.