Home a sight for sore feet! (From Penarth Times)

Home a sight for sore feet!

AN INTREPID explorer from Penarth has returned home after walking a gruelling 125 miles of the Great Wall of China.

Tony Arcopinto, 43, of Andrew Road, Cogan, set off to the Far East on October 7 with his friend, Saverio Florimonte, 52, of Llandaff, after reading a charity appeal in the Penarth Times.

The Royal National Institute for the Blind had been looking for people to walk the wall as part of a fund-raising drive.

And now, thanks to sponsorship from clients and associates, the pair have raised £5,200 between them which they are currently collecting.

The pair began by organising a ten-week training schedule, involving walks up the Brecon Beacons and complimentary use of the Cardiff Marriott's gym.

Just weeks ago they flew to China before embarking on the challenge with 23 other people.

Father-of-three Tony, who returned on October 16, said: "For me it was exhilarating. I'd definitely recommend it.

"But it was not a straightforward 125 miles. The wall is made up of many steps ... on our first day we had 1,600 steps to climb, some half a metre tall."

The eight-day trip involved five days of trekking, with extra time for travelling and exploring.

Every night they stayed in a hotel, but on two nights the men were less than impressed.

Sales rep Saverio said: "Some hotels were transformed barracks from the old Great Army.

"The other hotels were about two or three star, the barracks were about minus five star."

Financial advisor Tony added: "There were times when I didn't think I'd make it, but there was no choice ... we were doing it for other people."

Tony and Saverio said they wanted thank all those who sponsored them, and gave a special thanks to local PR man Chris Duffy who organised fund-raising and training.