A WALKER raising money for the St Richard's Hospice is continuing his mammoth trek along the Appalachian Trail in the USA.

Ben Corr, from Welland, is currently in the Great Smoky Mountains on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, three weeks after beginning the 2,167 mile trail in Georgia.

The 24-year-old has raised about £1,500 for the hospice so far.

Last year, Ben did 400 miles of the trail with a group of walkers, but this time is travelling alone with only his 15-pound bag of supplies to keep him company.

His mother Sally received an e-mail from Ben last week and is looking forward to hearing from him again.

"I was pleased to hear from him. I do believe he knows what he's doing but I can't help to feel apprehensive," she said.

"It worries me a bit how little he is carrying, although he has sent some things on to pick up later. But he's a very determined person, if he wants to complete something he'll do it.

"He's been planning it for months, including practice on the Malvern Hills. I'm very proud of him."

Ben will have a range of conditions to contend with during the trip.

Temperatures will hit around 30 degrees Celsius later in the journey, quite a contrast as Ben experienced snow in his first week.

He hopes to walk 18 miles a day and aims to finish the trail in September.