I'm walking from oxford to St just Cornwall to raise money to help support the charities

Penny Brohn UK - Bristol based cancer and wellbeing charity

growing Links CIC-Vulnerable adult and volunteer project

Prostate cancer UK I’m embarking on a 251-mile walk to visit my brother at his home on the farthest western tip of Cornwall, England. This journey is not only a personal adventure, but also a way to raise funds for cancer charities and support a street food initiative close to my heart. Along the way, I’ll be joined by my daughter, family, and friends, who will walk with me for parts of the route, making this a truly memorable and meaningful experience.

I’m planning a walking route that takes me through some of the places I’ve always dreamed of visiting, like Avebury and Stonehenge. I’ll be following ancient pilgrimage routes and pathways, connecting with history and nature along the way.

Last year, while going for a routine medical check a blood test revealed my PSA levels were raised and following that I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After an invasive operation, I was left with a 20% chance of recurrence and on medication for the rest of my life. It was a deeply traumatic experience, especially after watching my father go through the same illness without fully recovering. I had hoped that with the surgery, the shadow of cancer would finally lift. But then, in December last year I received a call from my brother. Through his tears, he shared that he had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, with just 12 months left to live, and was only being offered palliative care. The news devastated both of us and the whole family and brought back the trauma of my own cancer journey. On top of this, my brother is also the primary carer for his partner, who has Young Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Despite his strength, the constant worry about how to provide the care she needs is an ongoing stress.

This has given me even more drive to take on this journey. I see my brother less than once a year, and I want to change that, to be there for him while raising awareness and funds for causes that matter.

I’m raising money for three charities that mean so much to our family: Prostate Cancer UK, Penny Brohn UK, and Growing Links CIC.

Prostate Cancer UK has been a lifeline for both me and my dad. Their support guidance and advice has been invaluable throughout our journeys. With 1 in 8 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, I want to help fund research, provide information, and ensure there’s support for dads, brothers, partners, and friends facing this battle.

Penny Brohn UK, a Bristol-based cancer and wellbeing charity, it is doing incredible work with my brother Jeremy. They offer personalized, transformational care, supporting not just physical health, but mental and emotional well-being too—all backed by research and free of charge. They’ve been an essential part of his journey, and I’m committed to helping them continue their work.

Finally, Growing Links CIC has been a huge part of Zoe’s life. For over 8 years, she’s volunteered every Thursday evening with their Street Food Project, providing hot, nutritious meals to rough sleepers, the homeless, and vulnerable adults. When Zoe was diagnosed with her condition, Growing Links immediately ensured she could still contribute, adapting to her needs. Their support has been instrumental in helping Zoe find a sense of purpose and joy, and she continues to give back because she believes in the vital work they do. It’s invigorating, life-affirming, and a cause I’m proud to support.

I would have never imagined undertaking a journey like this before. Walking isn’t something I usually do—I’m more of a “pottering around in the garage” kind of person. But my own diagnosis changed everything. Before that, I took my fitness, my diet, and my lifestyle for granted having not gone to see a doctor in years, Now, I’m driven to make a change. I want to improve my physical and mental health, bring my family and friends together, and show our collective support for the charities that have supported us through some of our toughest times.

I’m training every day, pushing myself in ways I never thought I could. I’m so grateful for the kindness and encouragement from my wife, who has always been my biggest supporter, my employers, my children, and my extended family who are helping make this walk possible. It’s become more than just a journey; it’s a chance to grow, to heal, and to give back.

My motivation is rooted in hope—the kind that makes you want to live, that gives you something to fight for. For me, that’s the most important thing: finding those reasons to keep going. I want to make a difference to the organizations that have made such a difference to us and to others in similar situations. By raising funds and awareness, I hope to inspire better support and understanding for everyone walking this difficult path.

This isn’t just a one-off. I intend to keep this energy alive, turning it into the first of many fundraising and awareness-raising adventures. There’s so much more to be done, and I’m committed to doing my part, now and in the future.

Over Christmas, I became consumed by the feeling of being so far away from my brother when we both needed each other more than ever. It was frustrating, especially since, in the past, we’ve only seen each other once a year. I kept thinking about it, and the idea of just walking out the door to finally visit him started to take hold. I pictured us having a simple cup of tea together, maybe even going fishing like we used to when we were young. It became a way of reconnecting, not just physically, but emotionally, and I knew I had to make it happen.

I’ve made a massive mental shift in how I approach each day. After finishing a 10-hour work shift, the last thing I feel like doing is training, but I push through and walk increasing distances every evening. Some days, all I want is to collapse in front of the TV and unwind, but this journey is far more important to me.

Through this process, I’ve started to recognize my own resilience, determination, and motivation—qualities I didn’t fully appreciate before. They come from a deep desire to make a small difference for those who’ve supported us, and from wanting to stand alongside my brother in a shared determination to live well, despite the challenges we face. It’s no longer just about me—it’s about us, and the impact we can have together.

All the money raised will be equally split between three charities that have made a real and lasting difference in our lives. These organizations—Prostate Cancer UK, Penny Brohn UK, and Growing Links CIC—are doing incredible work, and I want to help them continue to support others in need. With the generous support of those around us, I hope to raise awareness about cancer and cancer care, and show how vital these charities are in making a tangible difference in people’s lives.so many people I know have suffered my father, my father in law, friends, family, me and now my brother. It’s about more than just donations; it’s about creating a ripple effect of support and hope.

I've put all my charities in one place and any donation will be split equally, rather than three pages I feel this is a better way to do it

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