Thank you to those I met along the way
One of my favourite things is when a plan comes together. So this week, I have been delighted to finally start my marathon 968km trek to Tipperary, Ireland, from London with my friend John.
As we set off from Prostate Cancer UK’s offices in London Bridge with a few friends for the first day, we walked along to Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus before journeying up the Grand Union Canal.
The reception from everyday folk has been humbling every step of the way. We have been stopped by the police just so they can give us money, and many people have come up to us just to tell us that they or a relative has been touched by prostate cancer like me.
Perhaps the best welcome we received, however, was in
The Old Crown pub in Hayes,
West London, where we ended the first day’s march with a well-earned pint of
Guinness. After a few strange “you’re not from round here“looks, people started chatting with us about what we were doing and why, before they then shared their stories of how their lives have been touched by cancer.
What then followed was a rush from many drinking to put money in the collection tin and wishing us well. It wasn’t the first time on my cancer journey that I realised that, yet again, people want to talk about their own challenges, but feel they need permission to talk for some strange reason. By sharing my story it encouraged others to do the same and I hope they went home feeling better than they otherwise would.
So as we plod North I am looking forward to more opportunities to get others to both share and be aware of their health and hopefully make the most of every day.