As you may be aware, John was travelling south-east Asia in the summer of 2015 when he contracted Japanese encephalitis. This extremely rare disease has had a devastating effect on John's life and that of his family.

'Walking for John' on Saturday 14th and 21st July Trans Pennine Trail - Hull to Hornsea and Glossop to South Yorkshire:

On Saturday 14th July John's mum Kathy, with Aunt, cousins and family friends will be walking from Hull to Hornsea on the last section of the Irish Sea to North Sea Coast to Coast Trans Pennine Trail and, on Saturday 21st again, sisters, local friends and John's work mates will be walking the Glossop to South Yorkshire mid section of the Trans Pennine Trail - please support them all for John.

Japanese encephalitis is a rare mosquito borne tropical virus which severely affects the brain and spinal cord, affecting movement, swallowing and breathing. Of just 70,000 acute cases worldwide each year one third die, one third fully recover over time, and one third are left disabled. In John's case, while he is able to move his head, some fingers and to a small extent his legs he is currently wheelchair bound.

While all this has been devastating for John and all who knew him it looks an even starker position when thinking what a sporty, athletic, intelligent and personable man John has always been. John has always enjoyed life so much and lived it to the full.

However John seems to remain positive and keeps on smiling! This is showing what we all know to be John's great enjoyment of his friends, true character and fighting spirit!

While currently still in a rehab facility John is now hoping to move back home where he can have more bespoke rehab therapy, be free for social visits and enjoy his friends and family.

We are therefore looking to John's future and what he may need as he moves forward. We want to raise money to help him with whatever those needs may be. This may be rehab therapy needs, accommodation needs, specialist equipment, John's transport needs etc. We hope as things move forward this will help John to enjoy and get the most out of his life.