Cricket legend Phil Tufnell joins Uckfield man's walk
Cricket legend Phil Tufnell joined the last part of an Uckfield man's fund-raising 90-mile walk on Saturday.
He was supporting John Morton who ended his six day challenge with a flourish by heading down Uckfield High Street.
Six years earlier John and his friend Chris Vacher took part in Phil's 500-mile walk for Macmillan Cancer Relief so Phil was quick to return the compliment.
John's marathon effort followed his recovery from leukaemia. He wanted to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign, Radio Marsden fm and the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Turst - three organisations that helped him through a difficult time.
Four walkers accompanied John along the length of the A272. Along with Chris Vacher there were John's lifelong friend Len Stevens and fellow leukaemia sufferer Paul Smith, who had a stemcell transplant 20 months ago.
Members of the back-up crew included John's sister Carol, from Wales, his wife Jennie and friend Ian Smith. Carol stayed close to the walkers in a car while Jennie and Ian drove the Lions minibus, leap-frogging them along the route to find laybys where the walkers could pause for refreshment.
John met Paul Smith in Brighton hospital and when he told him what he was about to do, Paul wanted to join him.
Phil and Dawn Tufnell joined in for the last leg.
John said "My personal thanks go out to everyone who has helped and supported me to make it such a great success".
John is pictured above being congratulated on his fund-raising effort by Phil Tufnell.
See also:
Cricket legend Phil Tufnell to join Uckfield man's fund-raising effort
Contractor appointed to draw up HQ plans for Wealden Council
Autumn colours at Sheffield Park Garden
Need help in your Uckfield garden?
(Added to site Tuesday, October 12th, 2010)
