West Berkshire man completes marathon charity walk

Russ Jeffries walked from Lands End to John O'Groats to raise money for Naomi House

HE'S lost nearly a stone in weight, tried 75 different beers and walked an average of 17.3 miles a day for the past nine weeks, but West Berkshire man Russ Jeffries has finally completed his charity walk from Lands End to John O'Groats.

The 40-year-old started his nine-week and six day solo walk at the end of June but 1,055 miles later reached his final destination, John O'Groats.

Mr Jeffries, who had an original target of raising £3,000 for children's hospice Naomi House in Winchester, has raised £6,500 with money still coming in.

He said: “I have had the most fantastic experience and feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to attempt and complete such a memorable journey whilst at the same time raising funds for Naomi House.

“The experience has been everything I could have hoped for, and despite a couple of early minor injuries I have remained fit all the way which has added to the joy of walking end to end. Many dream of walking it, a few attempt it and some successfully complete it. I feel I have achieved something very special.

“Not once did I wish I hadn't started or hoped it would soon be over, I genuinely enjoyed every day. The scenery has been fantastic and seemed to improve the further north I travelled. Every day offered something to savour and in Scotland, particularly on the West Highland Way, every corner you turned or summit you went over presented a 'wow' moment.”

His walk took him through Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, the Pennine Way, northern England and finally Scotland with 61 walking days and eight rest days.

Mr Jeffries, who lives in Leckhampstead with his wife, Pippa, aged 38, took a three month sabbatical from Mobile Broadband Network Ltd based in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, to take on the challenge and finished the walk on August 8.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support throughout my travels,” he said. “The texts and calls really were most welcome and to those that were able to join me in person - a big thank you, though I think I may have broken one or two of them.

“Finally, a huge thanks to Pip without whom it would have been a great deal more difficult.”

To donate money to Mr Jeffries' cause, visit his Just Giving page by clicking the link below.