I’ll never forget the day I found out my dad had lung cancer. We’d been walking the dog down the track opposite the house, and he rang to tell me. 

We expected his scan to show nothing, and yet, as soon as I answered the phone, I knew. His voice was breaking slightly as he said, ‘It’s lung cancer’. Then came the brave face for a week or two, but I knew he was scared. A few weeks later, he called to say he’d been told it was operable, and I cried with joy in Primark. I wasn’t even shopping in Primark, I just didn’t want to cry on the street.

Just after Christmas, they whipped the cancer out in Nottingham, keyhole surgery. He went in early doors and was sitting up in his bed in the afternoon, half a lung lighter. I remember going to see him the same day Lincoln signed Joe Taylor and marvelling at modern science. How on earth could they take out lung cancer via keyhole surgery? Well, they can.

I’m sure most of you reading this have a cancer story, a loved one who you’ve lost, or someone cherished who has come out the other side. Many of you will know someone right now who is suffering, fighting with every inch of their body. Sadly, while my dad was lucky, we lost my cousin, Donna, at no age to the disease. Some come through, and, tragically, some do not. Cancer does not discriminate, and it can be so, so cruel.

As he recovered, my dad decided he wanted to do something for Cancer Research, to help others who may suffer. He’d seen firsthand how money raised can help save lives, specifically his. In 2005, a person’s chance of surviving lung cancer for five years was 9%. In 2024, it is 20%. That’s down to not only excellent care and treatment but also research. That’s why Dad picked Cancer Research as his charity.

All we needed now was an event, and Dad wanted to do something local, something that tied into his passion for family, friends and, naturally, Wragby. Dad has grown up in Wragby, lived almost all of his life there as have many family members. His dad, Geoff, used to be a member of Wragby walking group, and so it seemed fitting for us to do a walk.

That’s why on September 1st, Dad and I, along with others, will be walking from Bardney to Wragby for Cancer Research. Our plan is to have breakfast at the Corn Dolly on the day, then get to Bardney to set off for 11 am. We’re not just walking down the road, but we’ll go through the back way via Stainfield (where we lived when I was young, and past Willan House, where Win, Dad’s 99-year-old mum, will hopefully wave at us through the window). We’ll then pass the Wragby Show, before finishing in the Ivy Club for a well-earned pint or three.

It is around seven miles long and suitable for anyone to join in. We’re asking anyone who is free on the day and wants to raise money for Cancer Research to join us, come and enjoy the beautiful countryside with us. All we ask is that you share the Just Giving page we’ve set up and raise £20 of your own. Also, let me know (gazhutch88@gmail.com) if you’re joining us as a fundraiser, and I can add you to the list of those taking part. I can also liaise with you closer to the time about lifts, as we’re not expecting anyone to walk back to get their car!

Our aim is to raise £500, and so far, we’re halfway there. In real terms, that’s got us to Stainfield. Can you get us the rest of the way? Will you be with Dad and me on the day, walking for Cancer Research?

The Bardney to Wragby walk used to be an annual event, and who knows, if this one is a success, perhaps we can come together as a town and raise money for a good cause every year.

Our Just Giving page is here

Our Facebook event is here