Four Wellington Rotarians beat the lockdown blues to complete a 4,000-mile sponsored walk in a year for the Westcountry cancer charity Hope for Tomorrow.

Michael Fowler, next year’s president of Wellington Rotary Club, Ian Hart, John Vallance and Richard Coupe set out in July last year to walk the challenge, which had to be completed before the end of June 2021. Because of lockdown restrictions, they walked individually in their local areas but following the easing of rules were able to do the last mile together, finishing three months earlier than the challenge required.

Along the final walk through the lanes of Wellington socially distanced supporters came out to cheer them on and pay up their pledges. Current president Mike Parkinson presented the four with a bottle of celebratory Champagne on completion.

The four, who had each walked the equivalent of Wellington to Barcelona, hope to raise in excess of £3,000 for the charity which provides mobile units to enable people to have cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, nearer to their home. Bringing treatment to the local area reduces stress, time and cost for patients, as well as helping reduce the load on hospitals. For more information visit www.hopefortomorrow.org.uk