It was a long way from Winchester to Westminster, but the Ray Barnes walkers were rewarded with a bottle of bubbly from Conservative leader, Iain Duncan Smith, as they staggered over the finish line.

Seventeen people set off from Winchester Guildhall on Saturday to walk to London to raise money for Ray Barnes (35), of Badger Farm, who suffered a sudden brain haemorrhage a year ago.

Most participants, among them Clive Mansell, landlord of Owslebury's Ship Inn and some of his staff, walked at least 50 miles non-stop.

But Mike Lush (62), of Whaddon Farm, Owslebury, amazed everyone by walking the entire 72 miles in 22 hours. "His achievement was equal to completing three consecutive marathons without a break," said an admiring Clive.

Even Winchester's Conservative leader, George Hollingbery, joined the trek for the last section, from Kingston-on-Thames to Westminster, before the group met Mr Duncan Smith.

Clive, who used to play football with Ray, added: "The aching muscles and blisters were all worthwhile. It's wonderful to be able to combine this bizarre and challenging activity with raising money for Ray."

Ray's partner, Johanne Coutts-Mayle, said the event was a "huge success" and raised enough money to start making adaptations to their home, in Fallow Field.

She said Ray saw his friends off on the walk and was touched by the support shown. "He saw a lot of familiar faces and was really pleased. It brought back a lot of good memories for him, and he couldn't quite take it all in," she said.