Man crosses line after charity run from Rome

A man is celebrating after running more than 1,000 miles from Rome to Paignton in Devon in 25 days.

Shopworker Alby Walters, 42, who called his run 'Rome to Home', crossed the finish line at Paignton pier at about 19:30 BST on Tuesday.

Mr Walters raised more than £3,600 for the Torbay branch of the charity Phab, which works to bring together disabled and non-disabled people of all ages.

It is the third long distance run for Mr Walters, having run from Paris to Paignton in 2022 and from Paignton to Worcester in 2019.

His journey took him from Rome, through Pisa and into southern France, before catching a ferry to Portsmouth.

"You've just got a knuckle down, some days a lot better than others," he said.

"There were days when you just really just did not want to get up and run but you push on to get the mileage done."

Nicky Timmins, chair of Phab Torbay, said she was "on the verge of tears" as he crossed the line.

"I'm so proud of him," she said.

"He's an awesome machine and we really appreciate what he's done."

Mr Walters went through three pairs of shoes on the run.

"I've got quite a bit of lower back pain at the moment," he said.

"I'm gonna go swimming instead of running today.

"I have no intention to run today."

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