Husband and wife, John and Wendy Cunningham took on the incredible challenge of walking approximately 1,000 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats (LEJOG), undertaking a long-held retirement plan they thought might not be possible.
John’s Diagnosis
In 2020, they were devastated by John’s diagnosis of stage 3-4 bowel cancer. After 5 weeks of intensive treatment, John underwent a radical, life-changing 15-hour pelvic exenteration operation which resulted in the formation of two stomas. Following an intense recovery period, the couple emerged more determined and resolute in their plans to take on the biggest walk of their lives.
Beyond Cancer
John and Wendy started their epic LEJOG walk on the 1st of April and went on to reach the Scottish village in July. The start date marked the first day of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and they hoped they would inspire others facing a similar diagnosis; that there is a life after bowel cancer and the radical surgery of exenteration. A week after they set off, John celebrated his 70th birthday, proving that age is just a number and showing us all how to live life to the fullest.
Fundraising for St Mark’s
John and Wendy raised around £21,000, smashing their fundraising target and dividing the funds equally between two causes close to their hearts—St Mark’s, where John had his life-saving surgery, and Willen Hospice, a charity based in their hometown of Milton Keynes.
Congratulations to John and Wendy on their incredible accomplishment!