Former soldier to complete Coast-to-Coast walk in aid of cancer charity (From York Press)

Simon Lock to complete Coast-to-Coast walk in aid of cancer charity

8:00am Monday 7th May 2012 in News By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

A FORMER soldier from York is set to walk across the country in memory of his brother and in support of his best man, who both battled cancer.

Simon Lock, of Elvington, plans to complete the Coast-to-Coast walk – 192 miles from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay – in 12 days.

His journey is in support of Cancer Research UK, after his brother Robin died, leaving behind his wife Naheed and daughter Lily.

He said: “Last year was horrible for the family, with my brother Robin dying of lung cancer at the age of 49, and my best man of 30 years ago, Barry Geddis, contracting bowel cancer. So this year I have decided to try and raise some money for Cancer Research UK to help in their quest to seek cures for the many cancers out there.”

Simon, 51, served in the Army with 2 Signal at Imphal Barracks for 23 years, until he retired in November 2000, and took inspiration for his challenge from daughter Siobhan, who climbed to Everest base camp in 2010 for Martin House Hospice.

Simon’s previous fundraising includes being part of a team which raised more than £800 by climbing the three highest peaks in the country while wearing pink tutus.

He said: “Siobhan is always ribbing me about the fact she’s been up to Everest and this won’t come anywhere near it, but we have done a fair few things in the past for charity.

“It’ll be the walk of a lifetime for me, while at the same time raising much-needed funds for a very good cause. I will also be supported by Barry Geddis who is still recovering from cancer himself so will not be able to do the walking. But he will be providing the admin support, moving bags from point to point and setting up camp each day.”

Simon’s target is £2,000, and he has raised almost £1,000 from individual donors and local firms including Elvington Building Services, The Grey Horse pub and Malton Foods, who have also provided Army-style boil-in-the bag rations for his trip.

“It’ll be just like the old days, I’ll be getting my mess tins out and boiling up rations each day to help keep costs low.”

The walk begins on Monday, May 28, and Simon aims to finish by Friday, June 8.

To follow Simon’s walk, or to donate, visit simonlockc2c2012.wordpress.com