A CHARITY worker has raised thousands of pounds by completing a gruelling 100-mile trek from Frinton to Wembley Stadium.

Dave Garlick, 52, dragged his heavy legs along the colossal route to raise cash for a good cause.

Originally from Kirby le Soken, Dave was one of the founding members of Hand in Hand, a charity which raises funds and awareness to support those living in poverty overseas.

He helped Hand in Hand branch out into Ecuador and now spends 11 months of the year living there with wife Anna.

Dave took on the Wembley walk to help raise cash for an ambitious project to build a £25,000 community centre in El Tingo. He started out on Monday last week, reaching the stadium in three days.

He said: “I’ve done cycle rides before, but this is the toughest physical challenge I’ve ever done. When I saw the big Wembley arch loom up I just felt a mixture of relief and joy. It was a wonderful feeling to finish.”

So far about £9,000 has been collected and donations are still pouring in. Dave is hoping to reach the halfway point of his £25,000 goal.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/Hand-in- Hand-Dave-Mano