Cricket legend Phil Tufnell to join Uckfield man's fund-raising effort
TV star and cricket legend Phil Tufnell is to support an Uckfield man's fund-raising effort which follows his recovery from leukaemia.
John Morton, pictured left, is planning a 90-mile walk along the A272 and Phil is hoping to join him for part of the journey and also be a special guest at a fund-raising dinner.
John aims to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign, Radio Marsden fm and the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust - three organisations he would like to thank after helping him through a difficult time.
John said: "I was diagnosed with leukaemia in April 2009 and following intensive chemotherapy sessions at The Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton I had a stem cell transplant in November at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton.
"The staff at both hospitals are fantastic and during my stay at the Royal Marsden the radio station kept me sane."
Six years ago John and his friend Chris Vacher took part in Phil Tufnell's 500-mile walk for Macmillan Cancer Relief and have kept in touch with the cricket star since.
It was Chris who suggested planning their own charity walk and when Phil heard about it he was keen to offer his support.
Phil said: "I am only too willing to give my support to this courageous man, and if possible, join him and his team for part of their journey as they did mine.
"I wish John and Chris and all their fellow walkers the very best of luck and look forward to meeting and walking with them to raise money for their charities."
Friends and family will support John when he begins his walk on Monday, October 4. He plans to cover 18-20 miles a day passing through Petersfield, Midhurst, Billingshurst and Haywards Heath before finishing in Uckfield on Saturday, October 9.
To celebrate the end of the walk there is to be a fund-raising dinner at the Radjutt Indian restaurant on the A22 where Phil and Dawn Tufnell will be special guests.
On the night John will also be seeking donors for the Anthony Nolan Register which plays a vital role in finding donors for stem cell transplants.
Other walkers are welcome to join the expedition. To learn more please contact walk co-ordinator Ian Smith on JohnsA272Walk@hotmail.co.uk.
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