A NEIGHBOUR of Greenhead man Walter Hutton, pictured, has decided to run the Gateshead 10K in his memory.

Jan Kippax is raising money for the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team, (NNPMRT), who were involved in the operation to search for the missing pensioner last weekend.

Jan said: “Walter was a good friend and a good neighbour; everyone thought a lot of him.

“The mountain rescue teams came from far afield, and they’re giving up their time.

“These guys searched over two days, giving up their own time to try and locate him.

“They deserve our help and by running the Gateshead 10K, I am hoping to raise money for this great cause in memory of Walter. I just wanted to give something back to them .”

Walter, 74, was reported missing on June 23, having last been seen at his home address in Greenhead.

The search and rescue operation to find him involved police and members of both the Northumberland National Park and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Teams.

They were assisted by two search dog teams from Teasdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team and Swaledale Mountain Rescue team, as well as members of the public.

NNPMRT leader Iain Nixon said: “As a charity made up entirely of volunteers, we are heavily reliant on donations from the general public. Jan’s offer to run the Gateshead 10km and raise money for the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team in memory of Walter Hutton is very much appreciated.”

Jan’s run can be supported at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/janette-kippax.