A former regional daily editor will take on the challenge of a 40-mile overnight walk to raise funds for two charities.

Neil Fowler, who edited the Lincolnshire Echo, Derby Telegraph, The Journal in Newcastle and the Western Mail, will take part in the Round Rutland Plod which starts at midnight on 13 September.

He is part of a four-strong team from the Royal & Derngate theatre in Northampton, where he is a trustee, who will take on the challenge and the 40-mile route is expected to take around 15 hours to complete.

Neil, who was appointed as a director at corporate communications agency Headlines last year, will raise money for both the theatre and for Action Medical Research for Children and has already attracted sponsorship of more than £600.

On his JustGiving fundraising page, he wrote: “We are are taking part in the Round Rutland Plod – a 40-mile overnight trek, organised by Action Medical Research for Children. It’s quite daunting – especially for a 57-year-old!

“We’re raising funds for both the theatre and Action Medical Research that funds scores of much-needed kids’ projects across the country –  and hope that you will be able to support us. Knowing that you are donating will certainly make the 15 hours or so go faster!

“The Royal & Derngate is one of the UK’s finest regional theatres that not only produces great and original work but also attracts thousands of young people every year through its community programmes – and we are a charity, so every penny raised goes to a great cause.”

The 40-mile trek begins at midnight in Uppingham and the route follows sections of the Rutland Round, a circular walk around the county, and includes walking along the shores of Rutland Water.

As well as editing four regional dailies, Neil has also carried out a two-year research fellowship at Nuffield College, Oxford, looking into the state of the UK regional press and edited the consumer magazine Which? and Canadian daily the Toronto Sun.

Neil can be sponsored here.