It was 35 years ago when my father died from acute leukaemia. I said goodbye to him as I left for Heathrow airport, to travel to and work in Australia. I expected to stay there for a very long time. However, just 8 weeks later I was home. On that day I became a farmer. In one sense I missed out on those father/son differences that seem to prevail in agriculture. But I also missed out on his advice and guiding hand. Memories never fade, they never die. They grow stronger year by year.

He was just 57 years old when he died. I am now 57 years old and I see many years ahead of me and there are so many things that I still wish to do. This fund raiser being one of them.

So, it is as simple as that. Hiking 57kms in a day. May the 25th, my father's birthday. I estimate that this will take between 12 and 15 hours. Sunrise to sunset. I will start in Gamlingay and follow the Clopton Way to Wimpole where I will pick up the Harcamlow way. This takes me through Cambridge city centre and out into the fens, before returning to the higher lands via Angesey Abbey and Quy. The finish line is a friend's farm at Lt Wilbraham.