Special achievement for Walking Stars

Tauranga walker Doug McLeod has raised $7284.64 for the Cancer Society, the most raised in the Walking Stars event. Photo / George Novak

Tauranga walker Doug McLeod yesterday had the top spot for the amount of money collected in the Walking Stars 2015 charity event.

The Bay of Plenty Times reported last week that 70-year-old Mr McLeod was fundraising for the New Zealand Cancer Society by walking a half-marathon in Auckland, after his wife and sister lost their battles with cancer this year.

Mr McLeod successfully completed the walk last Saturday night, and his efforts have been rewarded by being the top New Zealand fundraiser, having collected $7284.64.

Mr McLeod, who has had a hip replacement and walked in the hardest "power walking group", completed the half-marathon in approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes and described the walk as "not too bad".

"I'm good as gold now," Mr McLeod said.

Despite the walk having finished, the collection will continue until early February.

Mr McLeod's daughter Tracey McLeod said the reaction of supporters and the public "has been amazing".

"I'm so proud of Dad's special achievement," Ms McLeod said.

Mr McLeod hoped the donations would continue.

"It's doing it for the next generation of cancer sufferers," Mr Mcleod said.

To donate go to: walkingstars2015.everydayhero.com/nz/doug-mcleod