Walking more than 100 miles in less than a week with no money for accommodation each night may seem a crazy idea, but one pair of actors have used it as a a chance to raise awareness for a much-loved Richmond charity.

Edward Bennett, 32, and girlfriend Victoria Grove,30, took on the challenge of experiencing the life of a homeless person while attempting a Shakespearian walk from the steps of London’s Globe theatre to the Swan theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, after being inspired by homelessness charity Spear.

Mr Bennett, who completed the walk on Friday, August 5, came into contact with Spear while performing in Then the Snow Came at the Orange Tree theatre. The play touches on the topic of homelessness and Mr Bennett said it was essential to do something to help.

He said: “The idea was we weren’t allowed to spend any money on accommodation.

“We spent one night on a boat and one night in a cricket pavilion and asked clientele in pubs along the way to help.”

The actor felt particularly moved to do the walk after meeting Spear clients during his theatre run.

He said: “It was a really striking, moving experience and wonderful to talk to them and realise the level of ignorance I and other people have to homelessness and what it is really like.”

Spear works to combat homelessness by enabling people to access accommodation and providing support services to give clients skills so they no longer need help.

So far Mr Bennett has raised more than £400. Sponsor the cause at bmycharity.com/shakespearesway2011.