IT'S been the test of a lifetime for famous cricketer Ian Botham.

He set himself the mammoth task of walking from John O'Groats to Lands End to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund.

And on Saturday he passed through Weaverham before arriving at Nunsmere Hall, in Sandiway, for an overnight stay.

There he met National Blood Service employee Sue Brown, who is heading in the opposite direction - Lands End to John O'Groats - for the same cause.

On Sunday, Botham, 43, left Northwich to trek up the A49 towards Tarporley, beginning his daily six-hour hike.

He continued through Cotebrook, Tarporley and Tiverton before heading into Shropshire.

He is due to arrive at Lands End on November 13 . . .and by that time he hopes to have raised at least £1 million for the charity.

Already, he admits to having worn out five pairs of trainers. But he says that motorists have been very encouraging and kind to him along the way "tooting and cheering" as they pass.

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