A COUPLE have walked 1,000 miles from Switzerland to Cornwall to raise money for children’s hospices.

Retired Swiss professor Rainer Zust, 65, and his partner Stephanie, and their two dogs Leo and Nettie covered the distance in 69 days, finishing the trek in Perranporth.

Whilst walking in the UK, the couple raised around £1,000 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

And while in Cornwall they visited the Little Harbour Children’s Hospice at St Austell.

Beth Rudge, area fundraiser for CHSW, said: “I was quite surprised when we initially received communications from Rainer explaining his unique challenge.

“Rainer and Stephanie are such positive and inspiring people and we sincerely thank them for every mile they walked and for supporting the work of CHSW for families locally.”

Rainer said: “For a long time, we had dreamed of a long-distance hike to Cornwall.

“I often went surfing in Perranporth with my sons and walked on the coastal path with Stephanie. The South West of England is a wonderful region for all of us.”

The bulk of the money from the walk, nearly £50,000, will go towards the Flamingo children’s hospice which is being built in the Zurich area by the Swiss Children’s Hospice Foundation.