Hero grandfather to embark on 450-mile east-to-west charity trek while fighting cancer

A heroic 78-year-old grandfather who is fighting cancer is set to take on a 450-mile walk to raise money for charity.

John Parry, originally from Pontypool in Wales, has set himself the incredible challenge of trekking coast to coast from Lowestoft in Sussex to St Davids in Pembrokeshire, fundraising for various cancer charities and hospices.

The grandfather-of-nine and great-grandfather-of-five told GB News: “Even if I help just one person, then every step is worth it.”

John first discovered he had high-grade bladder cancer in May 2025, while in hospital receiving treatment for a horrific fall.

He suffered devastating injuries after falling off a ladder onto a brick patio, including skull fractures and broken bones in his back and neck.

While in hospital, doctors discovered complications with his prostate, referring him for tests which led to a diagnosis of an aggressive form of bladder cancer, and cancer of the right kidney.

Under the alias "Welsh Grandad", John has since documented his treatment journey on social media, offering support, encouragement and kindness to thousands.

His TikTok account has amassed more than 525,000 likes and well past 23,000 followers.

Speaking to GB News, he said that it was his granddaughter that first signed him up for social media.

“I started on TikTok telling everybody my story and had a huge response from people with cancer, people with friends or parents who had cancer," he said.

"All I could do is tell my own story, how I deal with it, and try to take my mind off it.

“I always felt that I wasn't doing enough to help people with cancer. I thought I'm not a doctor, I can't cure it, but there has got to be something I can do.”

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His journey begins on June 21, and he hopes to raise over £20,000 to split equally between Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Farleigh Hospice in Essex, and St David’s Hospice in South Wales - charities he said have provided him and his family with support in some of their hardest moments.

When asked what will keep him going during the eight-week hike, he said his mantra is his main motivation - to “take one step at a time, one day at a time”.

“We have all got to take it one step at a time, one day at a time, especially dealing with cancer. Sometimes I just have to get up and get on with it,” he added.

Speaking about the walk, John told GB News he looks forward to the exercise, fresh air, and sleeping in nature in a tent every night.

He also said that he has planned a series of activities to keep himself entertained.

“I will think about politics. I'm really interested in politics. And I like art, so I intend to stop every day for about 20 minutes and do a little sketch.

"I'll be wearing a camera to record my journey, and I'm going to take a dictaphone so I can record my thoughts while I'm walking.”

John explained his challenge is about helping others and proving that strength can always be found in the face of unfathomable hardship.

“Cancer challenges you in every way, physically, mentally and emotionally, but if this walk raises hope or helps even one person, then every step is worth it.”