FOUR friends have raised nearly £10,000 for charity by completing an epic walk.

The retired group from Tockenham, near Wootton Bassett, made up of Geoff and Helen Hedges and Diana and Drew Kirby, have recently returned from a 1,012 mile walk from Lands End to John O’Groats.

They began planning their big walk 18 months ago and initially did not intend to seek sponsors.

Geoff, 64, said: “Someone said that if we didn’t, it would be a wasted opportunity. We will split all the money we receive between Help for Heroes and Lord’s Taverners, a charity that supports sporting and recreational activities for youngsters with special needs, and provides minibuses, wheelchairs and equipment.”

They plotted their scenic route on huge maps – one for each week of a 90-day itinerary, and arranged accommodation in cottages and guest houses.

“We worked on the plans all last winter and it paid off,” said 63-year-old Helen. “There were no hiccups.”

The group braved heavy rain, hailstones, mist, and winds of up to 100mph during the trek across varied terrain.

“Each county has its distinctive features, soil colour and local dialect,” said Geoff.

“We all had a fantastic time. It was a great adventure and more pleasurable than we anticipated.”

When they completed the first stage of the trek, Geoff decided to put posters on their backpacks to let those they passed know what they were doing, a move which helped them raise hundreds more for the charities.

“After that we collected nearly £400 from people who saw us. Some stopped their cars to give us money. That spurred us on,” said Drew, 62.

“We all had a fantastic time. It was like a big holiday and we stayed enthusiastic, even when we were soaking wet and lashed by hailstones with no shelter in sight.”

And the group only had to contend with minimal injuries.

Helen said: “Di had the only blister of the entire walk, Drew pulled a calf muscle and Geoff had to get a cortisone injection in his heel, in Scotland.”

but otherwise everyone stayed fit.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the charity fund may send a cheque, made payable to Hedges & Kirby The Big Walk, to West Hay, Tockenham, Swindon SN4 7PH.