IF Tony Phoenix-Morrison had failed in his mission to run the length of Britain with a 42.5kg fridge strapped to his back, it is a fair bet that the headline would have been "A fridge too far".

Instead, Tony has today completed his epic journey from John O'Groats to Land's End, covering an incredible 1,009 miles, so the headline is the far more upbeat "Freezer jolly good fellow".

The world needs eccentrics who are willing to do mad things. When they do them in the name of charity, we should cherish them even more and Tony has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. The final total is not yet known but fridge manufacturer Smeg has already pledged £40,000 and donations along the way are still being counted.

At 49, Tony, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, is no spring chicken. He says he has been "humbled" by the support he has received over the 41 days of his journey. The reality, of course, is that countless well-wishers have felt humbled by his extraordinary effort in aid of cancer research.

Running from John O'Groats to Lands End is in itself an admirable feat of endurance. To complete the route carrying a whopping great fridge defies belief.

As laps of honour go, it is hard to top the Great North Run and Tony and his fridge will be signing off by taking part in this region's world-famous half-marathon on Sunday.

He will undoubtedly receive a local hero's reception every step of the way - and he richly deserves it.

Tony, we salute you.