AN optical assistant ensured a 100km walk in honour of his father who was diagnosed with liver and lung cancer.
John Ingram was among more than 3,000 people who took part in the Thames Path Challenge, starting at Putney Bridge and finishing upstream in the world-famous Oxfordshire town of Henley-on-Thames.
John, who has been with Specsavers for over 15 years and based at Specsavers Stanmore for 18 months, was raising funds for Cancer Research UK.
Having started training for the Ultra Challenge in April, he says: ‘I like to keep fit, but committing to something like the 2025 Thames Path Challenge took it up to the next level. However, I was really motivated to make a difference and raise some money for Cancer Research UK, as I saw first-hand how much support the team provided for my father to help make a difference.
‘The training hasn’t been easy, there have been days when I could have given up. However, over the months I’ve built up my fitness and stamina levels, and I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received from family, friends and work colleagues who have helped keep me motivated.
‘It all got me mentally prepared to take on such an enormous challenge and achieve such a huge milestone in my life.
The 2025 Thames Path Challenge follows the meandering Tow Path of the River Thames, passing historic sites such as Richmond, Hampton Court and Runnymede, home to the Magna Carta, before twisting onwards past Windsor Castle and Marlow, following stunning historic English scenery all the way to Henley, home to the Henley Royal Regatta.
Retail director, Ushna Shah said: ‘We’re very proud of the dedication John has demonstrated in training for this challenge. The entire team has been behind him, wishing him every success in crossing the 100km finishing line.’
To date, John has raised over £600 for Cancer Research UK, a charity that provides support for those going through treatment for this serious condition. To support the fund raiser, you can donate to the Just Giving page:
www.justgiving.com/page/johningram-8
To ensure your eyes and ears are in tip top, race fit condition, you can book a sight or hearing check by contacting Specsavers Stanmore on 020 8954 2133. Alternatively, you can book online at: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/stanmore
