A FORMER soldier has raised thousands of pounds for a children's charity with a non-stop music set.

Penymynydd resident, Paul Geddes, part of DJ duo Geddes and Gioia, raised £5,000 for the cerebral palsy charity, Stick ‘n’ Step, after completing a 20 hour long non-stop music set.

Paul started the mammoth set at 5 o'clock in the morning and finishing at 1 o'clock the following morning.

As well as raising an incredible amount of money, he also completed 84,000 steps, burnt 8,600 calories and lost 3kg in weight.

Paul, who served in the army for 25 years and then worked as a bodyguard, now works at G Force Personal Training fitness company.

Throughout the pandemic he has hosted online several six hour long sets of tunes to give people something to look forward to during lockdown, even though they have had to dance around their kitchens rather than a club.

He said: "A friend told me about the incredible work carried out by Stick ‘n’ Step and what a difference it makes to children and young people across the region.

"It was an honour to fundraise for such a great cause and I’d like to thank everyone for supporting me."

Community fundraiser for Stick ‘n’ Step, Kelly Marks, said: "This was an extraordinary effort by Paul and a truly fantastic event.

"We can’t thank Paul and his family enough for their efforts in aid of all our children, young people and their families."

Paul has also raised money for the NHS by running 842 miles whilst carrying a 25kg weight on his shoulders.

He will use the funds raised to host a red carpet event at Opera Grill in Chester, with the date yet to be confirmed, to thank the NHS's key workers.

Stick ‘n’ Step offers support services to children with cerebral palsy and their families.

The charity provides the children with totally free of charge conductive education sessions, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live more independent lives.

Over 100 children from across the region usually attend these sessions weekly or twice weekly at the charity’s Wallasey and Runcorn centres.