Hadrian’s Wall in the rain did not deter retired Harpenden teacher, Richard Gibbs, who trekked 26 miles along a demanding stretch to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The route started at Brocolitia fort and ended at Lanercost Priory, passing the iconic Sycamore Gap as well as the highest point of the wall at 345 metres on Winshield Crags.

Fortunately for Richard, of Coleswood Road, Harpenden, although the weather forecast was horrendous, the worst held off until after he completed the walk in nine and a half hours.

He said: “It was exhausting but it was an amazing experience. The camaraderie was fantastic and though we were all soaked to the skin, and some couldn’t quite complete the course, everyone worked together and we had a laugh.”

He supports the charity because his 91-year-old mother, now in St Matthews’ Care Home, Redbourn, suffers from dementia. One in three people are likely to be diagnosed with the condition later in their life and the Alzheimer’s Society needs support to continue its work and research.

So far Richard has raised £1,237 from the trek but it’s not too late to contribute via http://www.justgiving.com/RichardPGibbs.

To see more pictures and read the full storygo to Richard’s blog at http://www.richardpgibbs.org/2014/08/hadrians-wall.html