Teacher’s epic walk in memory of father in law

A Peterborough teacher is preparing to walk from Peterborough to Portsmouth in memory of his father in law.

John Peyser served in the RAF for more than 30 years – but sadly lost his three and a half year battle with lung cancer earlier this month.

Son in law Connor Knowling, assistant headteacher at Barnack Primary School, is now taking on a marathon challenge, walking from Peterborough United’s home ground, to Fratton Park – the home ground of John's favourite team, Portsmouth.

Connor said: “John was a big friendly giant, who lit up the room. Even in his final few days, he made those around himchucklewithhisdrysense of humour. It’s hard to put into words how much he will be missed.

“LosingJohninspiredmeto supportthecharitythathelped the family throughout such a horrendous time. Despite John’s remarkable resilience, thisviciousdiseaseslowlytook hold of his body, taking his independence, strength, sight, ability to walk, talk and swallow. His helpless family could only comfort him through thingsnooneshouldeverhave to endure.”

ConnorsetupaGoFundme page for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. He’s already more than doubled his £1,000 target.

He said: “The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation supported the family, helping

them understand the diagnosis and the realities of living with cancer. The money we raise will help them continue to deliver such a personable

and purposeful service to other families.”

Thetrekispoignantasfootball played a huge part in Connor and John’s relationship.

He said: “As an eager-toplease lad stepping into John’s house for the first time, I resortedtoaconversationIfeltat ease with - football! To my disappointment, John was a big Portsmouthfan.Overtheyears we took joy in the banter. John gave his daughter Amie, my fiancée, a Portsmouth top to sleep in, walked our dog Luna in Portsmouth gear, sent irritatingPortsmouthmemesand dropped off items in a Portsmouth bag. It seemed fate that Portsmouth’s last game before John passed away was against Posh.”

Connorstartshischallenge at London Road on August 4. He is hoping to complete it in six days finishing at Portsmouth’s Fratton Park ground on August 10.

His friend Sean Garmony, who lost his own father to cancer in 2017, will accompany Connor on the challenge.

To sponsor Connor and Sean visit https://gofund.me/ bc972f58

John at a Remembrance Day parade and Connor in his Posh shirt.