A RETIRED police officer is once again putting on his walking boots to help his grandson.

Derek Oldfield, 76, is taking part in the Examiner Charity Challenge for a third year to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

His grandson James Wootton, 16, from Wakefield lives with the condition.

Derek, who lives near Denby Dale, is also taking part in the seven-mile charity walk in memory of 15-year-old Thomas Grimshaw.

The pupil at St John Fisher Catholic High School in Dewsbury died from cystic fibrosis two years ago.

The grandfather knew the teenager through a support group for the disease, which clogs the body’s vital organs with a sticky mucus.

He said: “Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common life-threatening inherited diseases.

“Living with the disease is very difficult for those affected, most children require treatment every day and very frequent visits to the hospital take the place of normal family life.

“However the Cystic Fibrosis Trust is funding clinical trials to replace the faulty CF gene with a healthy copy.

“This will cost at least £6.5m but they have the potential to remove the life-threatening element for 90% of all people with cystic fibrosis.”

Derek will be joined on the walk by fellow fundraiser Barry Rhodes from Liversedge.

Barry is a veteran of the walks, having only missed one event due to an Achilles tendon injury.

He takes part in the challenge in memory of a work colleague and has so far raised thousands for the charity.

Derek said: “Sadly it will be too late for Thomas and others who have succumbed to the disease, but I can help my grandson and other youngsters living with cystic fibrosis.”

To sponsor Derek visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/DerekOldfield or to join him on the walk call 01226 791935.

The Examiner Charity Challenge takes place on Sunday, May 23 at Meltham Sports and Community Centre.

For walkers there are the options of a four-mile trek, a seven-mile walk or a 20km walk, led by Kirklees Countryside Volunteers.

There is also the opportunity to take part in Nordic walking.

Cyclists can enjoy an eight-mile family ride, a 16-mile course aimed at mountain bikers or a 22-mile road ride.

For families there is a pushchair, toddler and wheelchair walk which has been moved to a new site in Beaumont Park.

And horse riders can enjoy a route from The Crossroads pub between New Mill and Shepley.

The event has been organised by the Lions Clubs to raise many thousands of pounds for good causes.

To get involved fill in the form below or visit the Examiner website at www.examiner.co.uk