Pensioner raises £3,500 for cancer with 125-mile walk

Bill Hancock at the start of his walk in London.

Bill Hancock has raised around £3,500 for Cancer Research UK by taking on the challenge of travelling by foot along the Grand Union Canal from Canary Wharf in the capital to the Buck and Bell in Long Itchington, where he lives.

And on his final day, his sons Peter and Stuart, his five granchildren and a host of friends gathered at the pub to make sure they were there to give him a warm welcome when he completed the journey.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Hancock said: “The idea started out being a bit of fun, adventure and exercise, then I thought I would take up the opportunity to raise money for charity.

Bill Hancock (back row, second from left) with friends and family celebrating completing his challenge at the Buck and Bell in Long Itchington.

“Apart from the fact that we have all lost friends and relatives to cancer, Cancer Research UK says that sooner or later, they will beat cancer. Everyone who has donated a bit of money to me has helped to make it sooner.”

He added: “Quite a lot of the money was donated by folk in Long Itchington and at the Buck and Bell.”

Although Mr Hancock, a semi-retired engineer, was joined by supporters for various stretches along the route, he was the only walker to complete the whole distance, walking six to seven hours each day and staying at pubs or hotels - which he paid for himself.

He said: “I do like walking, but have never done anything like this, so I did plenty of training.

“When you’ve done two or three days, you are either going to fail or get stronger. Luckily, I got stronger. I’d like to do it again.

“I am very pleased I was able and had the opportunity to do something worthwhile.”