A postman from Braintree will walk three million steps to raise money for charity after living with type one diabetes.

David Burkett, 35, will walk the distance over three months, with sponsorship for every stride.

Mr Burkett was diagnosed with the condition in 2000, and managed two million steps last year.

However, it will take him at least 30,000 steps a day to reach his personal three million steps target, compared to the charity’s own One Million challenge.

Mr Burkett said: “I walk a lot of steps every day for my job as a postman and will pass two and a half million steps this week.

“I will have walked about the equivalent of going from John O’Groats to Land’s End when I finish.

“I’ve been averaging around 32,000 steps every day, so it’s been quite gruelling, especially during the hot summer.”

Mr Burkett decided to push himself even further this year by tripling the target to raise money for Diabetes UK and increase awareness of the condition.

Diabetes is caused by too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly.

If not managed well, both type one and two diabetes can lead to complications including blindness, lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke.

Teresa Strange, Diabetes UK eastern fundraiser, said: “We’re really grateful to David for supporting our work to fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes.

“The One Million Step challenge is perfect if you want to take steps towards a healthier you.

“You can take on the challenge alone, or better still, get your family, friends and colleagues involved.

“You can walk it, jog it or dance it. You can even split the million steps between a team to make it easier.”

The event started on July 1, finishes on September 30 and invites people to push themselves out of their comfort zone.

To sponsor David visit justgiving.com/fundraising/davidburkett.