They’ve done it – Ipswich airman Charlie Hammerton and his pet ferret Bandit have battled the elements and broken records.
The 22-year-old has been ferreting along Hadrian’s Wall in memory of his mum Jan Hammerton since he set off for Newcastle first thing on Monday.
Joined by other ferrets, horses, dogs and a cat along the way, Charlie and his trusty pet successfully completed the 84-mile trek in just three days, finishing on Thursday.
Just a mile from the end, a local man known only as Rodger changed his famous signpost at Hadrian’s Wall to point towards Ipswich.
Charlie and Bandit’s adventure raised awareness and cash for two charities, St Elizabeth Hospice and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.
The RAF airman said: “My mum had motor neurone disease and passed away peacefully at St Elizabeth Hospice, Ipswich last month.
“Planning this adventure has helped me do something positive and say thank you to both charities.
“It’s been a rollercoaster emotionally with a few tough moments; my ankle was so sore at one point I had to take my boots off and walk barefoot for some four miles.
“But the overriding memory will be the amazing landscape and the welcome from so many people we have met along the way.
He added: “I couldn’t have done it without my girlfriend Isobel who has been our vital back up team and in charge of keeping us fed and walking.”
Together with Bandit Charlie and Isobel have also climbed Mount Snowden, so what’s next for the intrepid pair?
“I wouldn’t rule out another adventure – but for now we will be recovering from this one,” the 22-year-old added.
So far Charlie and Bandit have raised more than £3,000 with the final figure to be split equally between the two charities.
See videos of their trek by clicking here.
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