A FERNDOWN man with a 'buzz' for fundraising has completed his extensive challenge in aid of Bournemouth Hospital.

Joe Beaven went to infinity and beyond after running 185km in a Buzz Lightyear (from the Toy Story franchise) costume through the month of May to support the hospital during the pandemic.

Although the challenge was unorthodox and fun, it had moments of being very challenging.

Joe said: "It was really hard towards the end, especially the last three days. Once I completed the challenge I had a takeaway to celebrate. I had a really good sense of achievement afterwards."

Joe's aim was to provide 370 'thank you' packages to NHS staff on the red and green wards at the hospital, in conjunction with his church DISCOVER: Church, Bournemouth.

This goal was something Joe was able to achieve thanks to his efforts in the Buzz costume.

Joe said: "People were very generous with donations. We spent whole days filling the boxes with shampoos, hand creams, hot chocolate, a handwritten note and more. The staff were really grateful and I have received a lot of messages from them. It's nice to see that I made a difference."

Joe delivered the brimming boxes on Wednesday, July 8 and hopes to do another fundraiser in the future.