A MAN from Cheam has walked the entire length of the North Downs Way in just six days for charity.

Johnny Devereaux set himself the challenge to walk 160 miles across Surrey and Kent, after being inspired by his sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Since his sisters diagnosis in 2013, Johnny says he has raised around £30,000 through fundraising challenges to go towards vital research.

And as an ongoing supporter for charity Breast Cancer Now, he decided to try and raise even more funds during the pandemic.

He said: "Although secondary breast cancer is currently incurable, advances in the development of effective treatments for those living with it have been amazing.

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"The fact that my sister is living well over 7-years after her diagnosis is testament to that.

"Which is why it remains vitally important that we continue to fund this great research.

"The cancellation of mass participation events such as the London Marathon and Great North Run has starved the charities of millions of pounds of donations which would usually form the backbone of their revenues - so any funds I can raise via self-organised events will be doubly important this year.

Determined, Johnny set off his fundraising mission in Farnham on October 17 and completed the walk on October 22.

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He added: "Although the first two days were relatively smooth going, I was incredibly tired at the end of each day, and when the weather turned much worse I had to dig really deep as the path became very slippery in the heavy rain, especially on the steeper climbs and descents.

"This also brought on severe pain from my ankle, which really slowed me down, dampened my spirits and brought the first self-doubts.

"I had the option of just walking away, but then I thought about the number of women living with secondary breast cancer.

"I was exhausted but elated, after spending about 9 hours a day out on the trail, in very challenging conditions at times, walking 160 miles and climbing over 16,000 feet.

"The best bit of it all, is that I’ve raised £3,000 for the charity from this event so far."

To donate visit here.