Our London to Liskeard charity walk is dedicated to the memory of Dr Geoff Auckland. The walk passes Guy's Hospital where Geoff trained and continues to the Oak Tree surgery in Liskeard. Geoff played a key role in the development of the surgery, helping to establish it in new premises on the outskirts of the town. Geoff served his community not just as a much respected GP but also as a parish councillor and a long standing governor at Liskeard School and Community College. Geoff was the chair of the governors' finance committee throughout my headship at the school.

When I left the school and walked around Cornwall, Geoff joined in on several days. This led to a series of walking holidays in which, with other friends, we completed a number of national trails. Geoff was one of those who walked into John O'Groats, helping to complete the trek from Land's End.

Facing a developing cancer, Geoff went through two major operations, using the 'next' walk as a target in his convalescence. Sadly, in November 2017, Geoff lost his battle with cancer. Subsequently, an idea emerged to honour Geoff by means of a walk and to take this as an opportunity to raise money for relevant charities. The planned continuous walk links Geoff's training base as a doctor, Guy's Hospital in London with the surgery in Liskeard. The walk is of about 420 miles to be completed in stages over 39 days.

Two charities are being supported. One, Macmillan Cancer Support, is chosen because of the practical and on-line support it provides to families. There is a separate 'Just Giving' site for this. The second is the Oak Tree Surgery where any money raised will help to improve the waiting area and make it more user friendly for patients. If all goes to plan, the walk will end at the surgery at 4.30 pm on Friday 16 October.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Alan Sedgley