HE covered more than 200 miles on foot to say sorry.

But rather than having a rest, the man who walked from St Helens to the Alzheimer's Society's headquarters in the centre of London is already planning his next fundraiser.

Former Great Sankey High pupil Dave Long was welcomed by staff with a party on Thursday after feeling so guilty he could not take part in the Brighton Marathon last month, he decided to apologise in person.

The 28-year-old initially slept in cemeteries and bus shelters during the first couple of nights of his challenge, which started on May 11, to raise cash and awareness for the dementia cause.

But as word spread of his challenge, friends and strangers offered him couches for the night and paid for bed and breakfasts as he walked eight to 12 hours each day to reach his destination.

The former civil servant, from Bold Heath, added: "It was a relief seeing the London landmarks like Tower Bridge and knowing I was only a mile away.

"People were asking me to go for a night out in London after but I just got on the first train home from Euston and slept all the way.

"I can't comprehend the support and thank people enough who not only said they forgave me but also donated £100 to the charity.

"It's been amazing."

Dave, who was moved to help the charity after his best friend's dad died of Alzheimer's, launched his fundraising campaign before Christmas completing three 10k runs and offering hugs in Liverpool for £1.

He already has his sights on his next challenge as he and a friend are now planning to cycle from John O'Groats to Land's End on a tandem bike to hit his £5,000 fundraising target for the year.

Dave added: "I was knackered at the the weekend but lying there I was already thinking I would rather be in a different town each day again and meeting different people.

"It's overwhelming looking back on the messages people sent me and there's a lot of people I want to thank people personally for what they have done.

"I've got lots of pints to buy!

"But I also had people telling me they were now going to do their first 5k or climb Snowdon for their own charities.

"I now want to start a Facebook group to show people the massive difference they can make."

To donate visit justgiving.com/doabit