John and Nancy Eckersley have finished their 623 mile walk from Dover to Carlisle and have raised over £5,000 for Christian Aid. Congratulations! Here's what they have to say about their epic endeavour.

"Well, we finished our 623 miles walk from Dover to Carlisle on schedule. Actually, we went on a little further than Carlisle and got to Gretna just so that we could say we had reached Scotland. I think most of you know that we were walking for a Christian Aid project aimed at Transforming Women's Lives in Afghanistan. We are glad to say that we surpassed our target figure of £5,000 and the extra money we raised will also go to the same project. For every £1 we collected, the European Union is match-funding with an additional £3 so that means that over £20,000 is available for improving women's lives in Afghanistan. To everyone who supported us, please accept our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.

"We had a fantastic time. We saw some beautiful springtime English countryside; we visited delightful historic towns and villages; we saw half a dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites and six National Nature Reserves; we worshipped at eleven Cathedrals and Abbeys. Most importantly, we met scores of people who were eager to hear our story and to encourage and to sponsor us. We recognise how blessed we have been. Fortunately we had no health problems and the weather was ideal for walking.

"When we eventually arrived at Carlisle, we managed to get an interview with the local Carlisle newspaper. The journalist asked us 'What was the most memorable part of the walk?' John replied (truthfully): 'It's impossible to say really because every day was different and had its own special attractions'. The journalist wouldn't accept this; bland generalisations would never make good newspaper copy. But Nancy came to the rescue declaring (almost truthfully): 'Reaching Carlisle Cathedral and going to hear your wonderful choir at Evensong!' That's the response the writer wanted to hear and that's what appeared in the Carlisle paper!

"To all who have prayed for us, sponsored us or followed us on Nancy's blog, please accept our sincere thanks."