A man who spent 200 days walking more than 1,800 miles from St Andrews to Rome raised €1,375 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Peter Skelly, 47, from Blantyre, embarked on the challenge last October, spurred on by thoughts of his mother Anne, 71, who has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years.
Travelling alone, once Peter reached Canterbury, in Kent, he followed an ancient trail to Rome, known as the Via Francigena. This route led him through France and Switzerland and onward to Italy, passing medieval towns, villages and the snow-clad Alps.
The telecoms software engineer said: “Walking to Rome was a fantastic experience, really tough at times but wonderful to be stepping out with a purpose.
The contrasting scenery and weather as I crossed counties and borders was amazing
“There are so many people like my mum living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It’s really good to know that that the money I’ve raised for Alzheimer’s Research UK will help scientists find the treatments so urgently needed.
“I kept in regular contact with my parents while I was away, updating them on my adventures – whether it was a strenuous day clambering in the snow, walking in the sunshine in the undulating Tuscan hills or dodging the gridlocked traffic and torrential rain when I arrived in Rome.
“The contrasting scenery and weather as I crossed counties and borders was amazing. I travelled light with the minimum of clothes, my tent and a few essentials and worked to a tight budget. One of my biggest expenses was getting my walking boots resoled several times along the way.”
He added: “I was heartened and encouraged during my walk by the generosity and kindness of so many people. One particular incident stands out when I arrived in an Essex village on Christmas Eve, looking grubby and dishevelled: a lady with her dog stopped to speak to me and when she heard my story she insisted I stay with her family for Christmas.
“They made me feel so welcome and invited me to join them for their big festive lunch.”