The long-standing global head of residential at Knight Frank is to spend the first month of his retirement doing a charity walk.

Lord Andrew Hay – Andy – plans to raise over £100,000 for the Rainbow Trust, which supports families with a seriously ill child.

Hay, who retires from Knight Frank at the end of this month after 37 years, starts his marathon walk on April 6, hoping to complete the 1,000km by May 12.

He will be walking on his own from the south of France through the Pyrenees and along the north Spanish coastal path, aiming to cover up to 25 miles a day.

He says it will be his ‘gap’ month following his departure from Knight Frank.

Hay said: “It’s a substantial physical challenge for an outstanding cause, but it will also give me the opportunity to be alone, reflect and decompress. Walking through some very beautiful villages, stunning scenery and historic sites is both a thrill and a privilege, and something I’m greatly looking forward to.

“Rainbow Trust is such a worthy cause and having supported it for several years as part of Knight Frank, it seemed only natural to take on a personal challenge.”

Hay’s role at Knight Frank is being split into two.

Tim Hyatt, currently head of London residential for Knight Frank, will take over the UK residential responsibility, while Rupert Dawes has become head of global residential.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Hay on his charity walk can visit: www.justgiving.com/andrewaghay