A man has walked 9.5 million steps for charity.

Chris Jones, who started his walk for the Masonic Charitable Foundation on January 1, 2023, in Skegness, has reached Devon, having covered 4,215 miles so far.

Mr Jones was met by Andy Vodden, assistant provincial grand master of Devonshire, at the Cremyl Ferry in Plymouth on August 24.

Mr Vodden was handed the responsibility of looking after Mr Jones by Philip Venning, provincial grand mentor of Cornwall.

Mr Jones was presented with a Devonshire provincial tie and £500 from the Province of Devonshire to aid in his fundraising goal of £100,000.

Chris Jones with his Devonshire provincial tieChris Jones with his Devonshire provincial tie (Image: Devonshire Freemasons)

He has raised around £45,000 so far and is currently on his fifth pair of boots.

Mr Jones said: "I’ve had three short breaks to travel home to fulfil some Masonic duties, but other than that it’s been walking.

"The walk has been much like my emotions, lots of ups and downs.

"What I have discovered though, is that I don’t plan too far ahead, where to stop/camp, let's just see where I end up after a day walking, it’s so much more rewarding that way."

After breakfast at Elvira’s, Mr Vodden and Mr Jones walked to Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, then on to Plymouth Hoe.

Mr Vodden said: "Chris was fascinated with all the monuments on the Hoe and of course Smeaton’s Tower.

"We all wish him the very best as he progresses to complete his mega challenge."

Mr Jones started his walk to finish in February 2025, with 2,000 miles left to go.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Devonshire hopes that people in East Devon will look out for Mr Jones as he passes through, offering him a bed, a clothes wash, or a pub meal.