The chairman of Patrick Commissioners has started walking 1,000 miles to highlight the urgent need to stop slavery.

John Anderson, of Knockaloe Beg Farm, started the gruelling fundraiser from Land’s End in Cornwall on Friday nd plans to reach John O’Groats at the northernmost tip of Scotland by November 16.

His ’Walk for Freedom’ is in aid of anti-slavery charity International Justice Mission (IJM), which estimates that 40 million people are trapped in slavery today with one in four of these being a child.

He became aware of the figures after his daughter Zoe started working for the organisation.

’I was horrified to hear about the epidemic of slavery today and the abusive conditions that victims of trafficking and slavery endure,’ he said.

’At the same time, I was deeply moved by the work IJM does to give these people hope and rescue them from very dark places.’

The trek coincides with Mr Anderson’s 60th birthday earlier this month.

He plans to walk 20 miles every day. His wife Fiona will support him in a campervan, which they will be sleeping in along the way.

He has already raised more than £12,000 towards his £15,000 target.

IJM has rescued more than 1,100 people this year.

David Westlake, chief executive of IJM UK, said: ’John’s walk will help people who are trapped in slavery right now to be set free.

’The reality of slavery today is unimaginably brutal. Little children will be trapped right now, enduring horrific violence and unable to escape.

’John’s generosity is helping to send rescue. We are so grateful to John for giving the gift of freedom to mark his 60th birthday.’

Track Mr Anderson’s journey here: http://johnswalkforfreedom.co.uk/