STORM Ciara was no match for a determined charity fund-raiser.

For while the UK, especially the South-West coastal region, was battered by strong winds and heavy rain, Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care founder Brian Burnie walked into Land’s End as part of his epic 7,000-mile trek around the UK’s coastline.

Accompanied by officers from the South-West Coast Path, and with support from Natural England and brave well-wishers, Mr Burnie and his wife Cheryl celebrated clocking up 5,000 miles over the past two years during the challenge.

The purpose of the walk is to meet with NHS trusts throughout the nation to encourage the adoption of the free service to hospital for cancer patients and their families, as has been such a vital service in the North-East.

Feedback from hospital chiefs to date has been encouraging for the 75-year-old who is dealing with Parkinson’s disease.

With around 2,000 miles still to walk, Mr Burnie is targeting a return to the North-East by Christmas, and he hopes his goal will help establish Daft as a Brush hubs all over the country following completion of his walk.

He said: “The weather here in Land’s End is horrendous. And that’s an understatement.

“Someone must have known we were coming.

“I’m thrilled to have reached this milestone and to have walked over 5,000 miles.

“There’s no chance I could have done this without the support of my dear wife, Cheryl.

“And I must say a huge thank you to everyone who has braved these ridiculous conditions to be with us. They’re as daft as I am.”