Epic Fife To Rome Trek Raises £1000

A man who walked from Fife to Italy has been speaking about his experience.

47 year old Peter Skelly raised £1000 for Alzheimer's Research UK by trekking for 200 days from St Andrews to Rome. He was inspired to take on the 1800 mile (3000km) challenge by his mum, who suffers from Alzheimer's.

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, charming villages and the snow clad Alps. He slept under canvas most of the time, occasionally being offered help by passing strangers. He said:

"Walking to Rome was a fantastic experience, really tough at times but wonderful to be stepping out with a purpose. 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 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 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. This special and humbling experience has made me even more determined to do everything I can to help Alzheimer’s Research UK in its goal to defeat dementia."

You can donate online to Peter's cause here.