A brave poet has broken a world record by completing a 1,000 mile barefoot walk, raising £16,500 for underprivileged children.

Philip Wells, 51, of Mattock Lane, Ealing, began his 110 day journey on April 22 at Cornwall’s St Michael’s Mount and crossed the finish line on August 9 on the Menai Bridge, Anglesey.

Mr Wells said: “It was amazing, there were some mountain moments with a real feeling of elation. I got an incredible sense of freedom.

“One of the highlights was immersing myself into the Thames spring, that was wonderful.

“I stood on a three inch thorn which set me back, got lost at one point and it was quite dangerous at times. There were lots of highs and lows.”

The 51-year-old is still hoping to raise more for the Barefoot Billion Campaign, which he set up to support three charities: Consortium for Street Children, the only global network focused exclusively on supporting street connected children; Ocean Stars Trust, which works to relieve suffering among disadvantaged people in Sri Lanka by providing them with the necessary skills to rebuild their shattered lives following natural disasters; and Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity working in some of the most remote regions in Africa and Asia.

Mr Wells said: “As a result of this project 70 countries are now walking, writing and painting in support of the barefoot billion.

“I completed the world’s longest ever barefoot journey, as well as losing a stone and creating brand new arches for my formerly flat feet. My feet are really well, astonishingly.”

He added: “While so gloriously distracted by the beauties of our kingdom, I raised awareness for the world’s children who have no education.”

The walker, who averaged 10 miles a day, is currently going through the process of registering his challenge with Guinness World Records and wants to spend time with his family now his adventure is over.

Mr Wells’ campaign is named after the billion children living in poverty in the world.

To donate £3, text STEP to 70111, go to www.barefootbillion.com or the Virgin Money Giving Fundraising page: http://goo.gl/inZ4FB.