A 70-year-old Lincolnshire man is walking 177 miles in tribute to his niece who has a very rare cancer.
John Creedy, from Bourne, is going to trek the length of the Offa’s Dyke trail along the border between England and Wales starting on 1 August.
He is walking because of his niece Natasha McGlinchey, 41, who has myxoid liposarcoma. This type of cancer is so rare there are just 72 cases a year diagnosed in England. Natasha, a former PE teacher from Norfolk, has been told her tumours are inoperable but has been receiving chemotherapy.
Natasha’s mother, John’s sister, Thalia Milton, was aged 72 when she completed the London Marathon last year to raise awareness of sarcoma and funds for charity Sarcoma UK.
Retired John, a former environmentalist, has decided it is his turn to support the same cause. ‘I am a keen walker, but I’ve never attempted a walk like this before, so this is quite a challenge!’
Of Natasha, he said: ‘It has been so hard to believe this has happened to someone who was so fit and healthy but everyone around her has been so positive.’
It is estimated John’s walk will take at least two weeks and he will be sleeping in a tent each night. The money he raises will boost research, improve treatment and standards of care for sarcoma patients, and go to Sarcoma UK’s services such as the Support Line.
Sarcoma UK’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Kerry Reeves-Kneip, said: ‘We’re deeply moved by John’s commitment to tackling this epic challenge at 70 years old. Following in the footsteps of Natasha’s mother Thalia, who completed the London Marathon last year, this family’s determination to help raise funds for vital research and awareness of sarcoma is inspiring and will make a real difference to patients facing similar battles. When cancers are this rare, every donation helps us get closer to better treatments and, ultimately, cures for patients.’
To donate to John, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/john-creedy
