A Watford grandfather is raising money to help some of the world’s poorest nations by touring England entirely by public buses.

Retired teacher Stephen Chitty, 70, will start the 40-day national tour using his free bus pass on Monday, June 26.

He aims to raise £1,500 for the charity Mercy Ships that delivers free healthcare services including surgery and medical training to help those most in need.

Watford Observer: Stephen Chitty (left) with his daughter Lizzy Chitty (right) who volunteers with Mercy Ships. Stephen Chitty (left) with his daughter Lizzy Chitty (right) who volunteers with Mercy Ships. (Image: Mercy Ships)

To sponsor Stephen visit https://bit.ly/43fUuh2. 

Stephen said: “I have always loved all forms of travel and have wanted to put my free pass to good use, so this seemed like a good opportunity to do this for my 70th birthday.”

The grandfather of three came across Mercy Ships because his daughter, Lizzie Chitty, a nurse, volunteers with it.

In May she travelled to Senegal, West Africa, where she volunteered for the seventh time on one of the charity’s hospital ships.

Watford Observer: Lizzy ChittyLizzy Chitty (Image: Mercy Ships)

She has previously volunteered in Guinea, Cameroon, Madagascar, Republic of Congo and Benin.

He added: “Through my daughter’s experiences with Mercy Ships, I know how important the charity is and how crucial its work is.”

Stephen’s journey will see him start and finish from Watford Junction's bus stop, travelling east through London to Dartford, then following a clockwise tour of England via Kent and the south.

The route is around 1,650 miles.

Watford Observer: Stephen ChittyStephen Chitty (Image: Mercy Ships)

He said: “I would love it if people were able to sponsor me but I would also really appreciate people along the route offering me accommodation for the night.”

His daughter will be among 50 crew members from Britain and Ireland who will serve in Senegal over the next five months, including 14 other nurses and 15 doctors.

Lizzie said: “My dad wanted to do something special to mark his 70th birthday with each of his three children.

“He came with me to see the Global Mercy when it was in Rotterdam before it headed to Senegal to treat patients and he was amazed.

“He really wanted to do something meaningful to support Mercy Ships.”

Other UK volunteer professionals onboard include teachers, engineers, an accountant, clerical and housekeeping staff.