Retired vicar, 82, finishes his amazing 850-mile walk - without leaving his retirement home in Kibworth

Marathon man Alan Pyke is putting his feet up for a while after hiking an incredible 850 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats - without leaving his home.

The 82-year-old from Kibworth Beauchamp has walked the entire length of England and Scotland to support The Well, a vital village community hub.

And indomitable Alan, a retired vicar, has trekked every mile without leaving his beloved retirement home in Stuart Court.

“I am just thrilled and relieved to have finally got over the finishing line.

“I’m so much fitter and I’ve lost a fair bit of weight,” said the hugely-inspiring pensioner.

“It’s been a massive commitment.

“I set out to chalk up at least 16,000 steps – eight miles – every single day.

“I started out on the day the Covid-19 lockdown was implemented – Monday March 23.

“And I haven’t missed one day since!

“I have headed out to troop around Stuart Court here in all weathers.

“I’ve had to step up my mileage along the way because my original daily target would have taken me till October to complete.

“So I have put my best foot forward and cracked on day to day and week to week to get up to the far north.”

Ecstatic Alan was feted and applauded as he was met by his proud wife Jean and an elated reception committee as he virtually marched into John O’Groats.

“About 30 people turned out to see me finally get over the finish line at 11am on Wednesday,” said inspirational Alan.

“It was lovely to see Jean there.

“She’s behind me every step of the way over the last five months and an absolute rock,” said the former clergyman.

“Some of the residents and our neighbours here were there along with representatives from The Well.

“It’s been an amazing journey from start to finish.

“I never really had any doubts or ever thought about stopping.

“I’ve always seen it as being something so worthwhile to back The Well that I had to plough on regardless.”

Alan said he has raked in more than £3,000 for The Well, a Christian outreach charity, on Kibworth Beauchamp’s High Street.

“This is crucial money.

“It will help us refurbish and overhaul both our kitchen and café.

“I feel for our staff and volunteers who work in there so it’s critical that this project is carried out,” he said.

“We are also still totally committed to running our foodbank for villagers as long as it’s needed.

“I’d also like to say a very big thank you to every one who has sponsored me to do this walk.

“They have been so generous and I appreciate every penny that they have pledged to help us at The Well.”

Asked if he’s already lining up future extreme adventures, Alan smiled: “No, I don’t think so – not for now anyway!

“People have been very kind supporting me to tackle this.

“But they might not be so pleased if I’m back asking them to sponsor me again before they know it.

“So I’ll probably put my feet up for a while and focus on helping to support the fantastic people who run The Well.”

If you would like to help top up Alan’s coffers for an excellent cause you can visit his fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/welljog