TAKING the dog for a walk is an everyday activity for many Cestrians but one man is going a step further this summer.
Matt Dalton, 27, from Blacon, is planning to walk the 1,400 miles from Chester to Rome for charity.
His only companion for the energy- sapping journey will be his aptly named Rottweiler, Roman.
The ambitious expedition is due to begin later this summer after Matt completes the sale of his house and swaps Chester’s amphitheatre for the Colosseum as he relocates to Rome.
Former King’s School pupil Matt, who has an interest in Roman military history, plans to depart from outside Chester Town Hall and arrive at his new home in the Eternal City three months later.
He said: “I am planning to walk from Chester to Rome with my Rottweiler to raise money for charity.
“We will be sleeping in a tent every night, unless people offer to put us up along the way!
“I am hoping it will take about three months to get there – that is averaging just over 20 miles a day, with one day a week to rest and update my blog with photos from along the way and the story as to how things are going.”
Matt is hoping to raise at least £100,000 for charities including the Rottweiler Welfare Association, Help For Heroes, Medecins Sans Frontieres and the Abruzzo Appeal attached to the L’Aquila earthquake disaster.
Donations can be made to one or all of Matt’s chosen charities at www. justgiving.co.uk/mattdaltonabruzzoappeal and updates on his progress can be viewed at www.roamintoromewithroman.blogspot.com.
“I would really appreciate it if Chronicle readers could provide as much support as possible and wish me luck, I think I’m going to need it!” he added.
