A former miner fighting cancer is preparing for a sponsored walk on Boxing Day to help a charity that is supporting him.

Geoff Hall, of Mansfield Woodhouse, has already smashed his £1,000 target for Macmillan Cancer Support and the fundraising total is now standing at £3,061 – and he is urging more people to back him and help the cancer fund.

Geoff planned his fundraising walk in November after coming out of hospital following a major operation.

He launched his appeal on Facebook, saying: “As you are all aware I’ve been out of hospital two weeks now and I’m recovering very well.

“Last week I started going for short walks on the complex – 400 yards. But now I’m up to about a mile a day, not a patch on what myself and a few friends achieved about five years ago but a massive step in the right direction for me.

“On Boxing Day I shall be walking from Edwinstowe traffic lights back to Woodus (Mansfield Woodhouse) for Macmillan Cancer Support. It’s only approximately six miles, but as you can appreciate I’ve just undergone the biggest operation they can do for cancer and that six miles will be a massive achievement.

“I’m hoping you, my friends, can help towards my target, no matter how big or small, as it all helps towards a cause that has become very close to my heart.”

Geoff’s Facebook friends have responded to his appeal tremendously and his fundraising total has now topped £2,000.

So far around 22 people have also pledged to join the Boxing Day walk.

Macmillan Cancer Support thanked Geoff, saying: “A huge thank you from Macmillan! Thank you so much for achieving your fundraising target.

“Being told ‘you have cancer’ can affect so much more than your health – it can also affect your family, your job, even your ability to pay the bills. But you’re still you. We get that.

“And, after over 100 years of helping people through cancer, we get what’s most important: that you’re treated as a person, not just a patient.

“Your support will allow us to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, providing physical, financial and emotional support. So whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.

“For information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk. Best of luck with your walk.”

To make a donation to Geoff’s appeal click here.