A Whitton pensioner has the chance to experience Twickenham Stadium in a unique way, by climbing 3,200 stairs.

Tony Leppard, 82, and his neighbour Hugo, 9, will be taking on the Stadium Challenge, in aid of children's charity, Shooting Star Children's Hospices.

The pair will climb up and down the stadium, hoping to raise as much money as possible.

The Stadium Challenge combines ultimate ups and daring downs in one of the world’s most iconic surroundings, with three varied routes available.

The first of its kind in England, The Stadium Challenge takes place on Saturday, March 23.

The event is the charity’s biggest climbing challenge to date, and marks the first time Twickenham Stadium has ever hosted such an event.

Tony, and his wife Kay, have been supporters of the charity for over 20 years. The first became involved with Shooting Star Children’s Hospices when Tony signed up for the 1999 London Marathon, after Kay suggested he do it in aid of a local charity.

Since then the couple haven’t looked back, alongside numerous challenge events, they lead the Whitton Friends Group which has raised £370,000 since its inception, and are charity Ambassadors.

Now two decades later, Tony is turning his sights to Twickenham Stadium. “When I saw the Stadium Challenge, I thought that’s a bit different, and certainly something I can do. I might not be able to do half marathons anymore but I’m up for this challenge,” he said.

“Living in Whitton, I know the Stadium well and am a big Rugby fan – Harlequins of course. So I thought it would be a great opportunity to experience the stadium in a unique way whilst raising money for this wonderful charity.

“I’ve most recently done 12 circuits of the stairs in the Treaty Centre in Hounslow, which is more than 1600 steps up and down - which warranted a few funny looks and explanations needed to the shoppers.

“I enjoyed a very welcome coffee shop visit to have a sit down afterwards. I’m walking about 50km each week, so things are looking good, and it’s great news that my young friend, Hugo, is taking on the challenge with me to see that I get up to no mischief.”

Hugo added: “Our neighbours Tony and Kay work so hard to raise money for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, so if Tony can do this challenge at 82, so can I at nine.”

Jane De Lay, Head of Community Engagement at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices said, “It’s no surprise to hear Tony is once again taking on a challenge to raise money for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices – and to hear he’s already raised an amazing £1000.

"He and Kay have been such wonderful supporters of the charity for many years – and we truly can’t thank them enough for all they have done for us. We look forward to cheering Tony and Hugo on at Twickenham Stadium and can’t wait to hear what Tony gets up to next – there’s no stopping him.”

Fancy taking on the Stadium Challenge yourself? There is still time to sign up – simply visit www.shootingstar.org.uk/stadiumchallenge for more information.