John Parry, a 78-year-old Welsh grandfather and cancer patient, has reached the halfway point of his ambitious trek across England and Wales, aiming to raise funds for cancer-related charities. Parry began his journey on June 21, setting off from Lowestoft, Suffolk—the easternmost point of England—and recently crossed into Wales, marking more than half of the 462-mile route completed. His destination is St David’s Head in Pembrokeshire, Wales, traveling along the Via Beata path.

Diagnosed with cancer in October 2024, Parry has used TikTok under the handle @Welsh-Grandad to share his story and motivate others affected by the disease. He is fundraising for Cancer Research, Macmillan Cancer Support, Farleigh Hospice, and St David’s Hospice, documenting his daily progress online. To date, he has raised over £37,000 toward a £50,000 goal, receiving widespread support through hundreds of comments and messages.

Parry said he had not experienced moments of defeat during the journey despite physical challenges. “Even when I’ve been absolutely worn out, dripping with sweat and out of water, all I think about is the people whose cancers are worse than mine and are facing an uncertain future,” he said. This motivation drives him forward as he encounters difficult terrain, including brambles, nettles, and dead ends. “I’ve crawled on my hands and knees through overgrown fields, and I’ve been cut to pieces by brambles,” Parry noted.

Supported by family and friends, Parry has also been encouraged by encounters with supporters along the route, including a meeting with Strictly Come Dancing star Lauren Oakley. “The kindness of people has been phenomenal. It’s been an absolute honour to walk with these people,” he said.

Despite medical advice warning that such a demanding hike could place significant strain on his body, Parry chose to proceed. He acknowledged the physical toll but underscored his determination: “I didn’t think of the consequences. I knew if I didn’t do it, people wouldn’t be helped, so I didn’t have a choice in my own mind.” Parry rises daily at 4:30 a.m. to avoid the heat and continues to navigate challenging conditions, including an uphill stretch through Wales. He said his left lung’s reduced function complicates steep climbs, but he remains committed to completing the trek.

Parry’s initial TikTok video garnered thousands of responses from fellow cancer patients, reinforcing his desire to support others facing the illness. He shares coping strategies in his videos, such as engaging in creative activities like painting and drawing to manage anxiety.

Highlighting the financial challenges faced by hospices, Parry expressed concern over reductions in care availability. “Hospices are having to close beds and wards because they don’t have enough money, and it’s absolutely disgraceful that in this society, we are allowing that to happen,” he said. “I’ll do whatever I can to help people who are suffering. That’s all I want to do; I just want to help people.”

Alex Howe, relationship fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, praised Parry’s effort. “John’s determination is nothing short of remarkable. To take on a challenge of this scale whilst navigating his own cancer diagnosis is an extraordinary testament to his resilience, courage and generosity,” Howe said.