A RETIRED police officer from Poole is having a well-earned rest after successfully completing a 630-mile walk for charity.

Peter Moffatt of Oakdale set out on the South West Coast Path from Minehead in late June. Despite having had two knee replacements, suffering from chronic emphysema and carrying 40lbs of kit on his back, he arrived back at South Haven Point, Shell Bay, ahead of schedule on Tuesday, his 68th birthday.

The grandfather of nine had always dreamt of walking the South West Coast Path and tackled the feat with the aim of raising £2,000 for the Dorset Cancer Centre at Poole Hospital, where his sister has been undergoing treatment.

“It really was tough, but the scenery was stunning,” he said. “There were quite a few diversions because of the coastal erosion. My favourite bit was when I came out of Devon. It was like coming out of the jungle. There in front of me was Golden Cap.

“When I hit Dorset, I got extra strength from somewhere. I had no thoughts about it being my birthday – I just wanted to get to the end.”

Along the way, Peter injured the back of his leg in Cornwall and had to make stops to have the wound dressed.

He also lost one and a half stone in weight.

“Many times in the heat I felt like giving up, but I met some wonderful people who supported me all the way around,” he said.