Benton took on the Trek26 challenge earlier this month, inspired by his friend Ian Wilcock, the former Heidelberg service director who has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Benton said that a total of more than £26,000 had been raised, including Gift Aid, which is believed to be the highest single amount raised for such an event.

His initial target had been £2,000.

Benton and Wilcock – who joined in for the latter stage of the walk – thanked Printweek readers for their support.

Benton said the weather conditions were perfect and everything had been very well organised for what turned out to be a great day.

“Fortunately, the route was quite flat, but covered some lovely Suffolk coastal paths, even some shingle and sand. We set off about 6.40am and completed the 26 miles in about 6.45 hours, so we managed a good pace, with maybe a little bit of jogging on the downhill sections!

“Ian joined us at Sizewell and walked the last few miles with us, he even got the medal and t-shirt, this really made him feel part of the event and it was great that he could do this.”

Approximately 900 people did the trek, split between the 13 or 26 mile route options.

“Clearly all participants had their own personal reasons for taking part, which added to the emotion of the day,” Benton added.

Funds raised will help the Alzheimer’s Society research into treatments and a possible future cure for the disease, which is the most common form of dementia.

The charity organises regular Trek26 events at different locations around the UK.