THE sun shone on residents and staff at a retirement village as they joined an Italian cricketer on an epic charity walk.

The keen walkers from Middleton Hall Retirement Village, in Middleton St George, near Darlington, joined Alessandro Sabelli on a leg of his 14-day walk covering 690 miles from John O’Groats to the London Royal Marsden Hospital.

Mr Sabelli and his companion, Peter Sherry, are hoping to raise £5,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and said they were thrilled to be joined by residents on the 20 mile leg from Middleton St George to Northallerton.

Neil Bunting, Director of dé Salve, who are sponsoring the walk, also drove a support vehicle for participants who needed a rest.

Living well manager Audra Hunt said: “It was a privilege to join Alessandro and Peter on this leg of their journey, helping them raise money for such a worthwhile cause.

“Our residents had a great time talking while walking with Alessandro. It certainly made the miles they put in go a lot quicker.”

As well as raising money for charity, Mr Sabelli is also hoping to encourage others to challenge themselves.

“Perseverance is a great tool when it comes to facing struggles, whatever shape or size they might come in,” he said.

“I would like to show that even though things may get tough, there is always someone, somewhere, cheering you on.”