Walker steps out on UK trek for cancer cause

CHARITY walker Shamus Westwood and his dogs have passed through South Devon on the way to raising thousands for children with cancer.

Shamus, a cancer survivor himself, set off from Folkestone in Kent on Christmas Eve 2017 and is making his way the 10,000 miles clockwise around the UK coast.

He and his ‘wolf pack’ of dogs paused at the Thatched Tavern in Maidencombe where well-wishers made sure he had supplies for his journey.

He is documenting his miles on a Gump Around The UK Facebook page.

He wrote: “It was a great few days here in Maidencombe and what a beautiful place to be.

“To be honest I didn’t plan to stay long but have been treated so kindly since being here.

“Thank you to Josie at the Thatched Tavern for the coffees, food and such a friendly welcome.

“Torquay holds special memory’s for me. When I hit 16 I was too old for the kids home so we became homeless and Torquay became my home.

“I was safe and protected there.”

Shamus has survived cancer twice and found himself homeless in Folkestone.

He said: “Rather than just be another statistic I decided to walk with my six dogs around the entire coast of the UK raising money for children with cancer.

“So far this walk has already been full of adventure and the communities have really been amazing.

“The main aim of the walk is to provide special moments and memories for children with terminal cancer and to create some amazing lasting memories for these brave children and the amazing families.”His fundraising page is justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gumparound