Schoolboy Romeo Cox missed his gran so much that he walked 1,700 miles from Sicily to her home in Britain – then ran the last few steps for a well-deserved hug.
Romeo, 11, moved to Italy with dad Phil and mum Giovanna last year – but with jets grounded as Rosemary, 77, locked down alone at home, he was devastated not to be able to fly back to her.
So he persuaded Phil, 46, to help him get there on foot, raising £13,500 for refugees on the way.
They set off on June 20 and crossed Italy, Switzerland and France, sleeping under the stars and taming a wild donkey before arriving in London on September 21.
They quarantined for two weeks before going to Rosemary’s home in Witney, Oxfordshire – and Romeo ran to hug her.
He said: “We had the best hug ever. I’ve really missed her.”
Rosemary said: “Seeing Romeo after his journey feels so special. Children can inspire us.”
Film-maker Phil said the trip is “something we’ll never forget”.
Romeo’s fundraising for the Refugee Education Across Conflicts Trust was inspired by pal Randolph, who migrated to Italy from Ghana.
Romeo said: “He walked even further, but without food or water and in fear.”
For more information about the charity click here.
