INTREPID Martin Baker embarks on his toughest challenge to date this Saturday (May 10) when he sets off to walk the 270-mile long Pennine Way within the space of nine days.

Martin will be joined on his trek by lifelong friend Richard Westwood with the pair planning to raise money for the charity Medic Alert.

Martin, who is 46 and lives at Prospect Hill in Stourbridge, has a medical condition known as Addison's Disease and said: "I have to take steroids, as without them I'd die. Medic Alert are a voluntary organisation which provide necklaces and bracelets which warn paramedics and first aid workers of a medical condition."

Martin has raised money for charity in the past, having run the London Marathon and cycled from Lands End to John O' Groats but is under no illusions of the task ahead.

He said: "I've only got a week off work, so it means walking 30 miles a day over nine days, which will take some doing."

While Martin has been practising for his epic walk, his companion Richard has been finding training a tougher prospect.

Martin explained: "Richard, who is also 46 and from Stourbridge, works in Dubai as a pilot, but has been forced to practise for the walk in crippling heat."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Martin can do so online at www.justgiving.com/MARTIN-BAKER4