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The walk is dedicated to the memory of Dr Geoff Auckland. Geoff  played a key role in the development of the Oak Tree Surgery, helping to establish it in new premises on the outskirts of Liskeard. Geoff served his community not just as a much respected GP but also as a parish councillor and a long standing governor at Liskeard School and Community College. Geoff was the chair of governors' finance committee throughout my headship at the school.

Geoff and Sabby, Chris and I had children in the same year group at school and our sons, respectively Christopher and James, played rugby together for Liskeard Looe RFC and at county level. Hence the families got to know each other socially. When I left the school and walked around Cornwall, Geoff joined in on several days. This led to a series of walking holidays in which, with other friends, we completed a number of national trails. Geoff was one of those who walked into John O'Groats, helping to complete the trek from Land's End.

Facing a developing cancer, Geoff went through two major operations, using the 'next' walk as a target in his convalescence. Sadly, in November 2017, Geoff lost his battle with cancer. Subsequently, an idea emerged to honour Geoff by means of a walk and to take this as an opportunity to raise money for relevant charities. The planned continuous walk links Geoff's training base as a doctor, Guy's Hospital in London, with the surgery in Liskeard. The walk is of about 400 miles along the Thames Path, Ridgeway, Hardy Way and South West Coast Path completed in stages over 39 days.

Two causes are being supported. This one, Macmillan Cancer Support is chosen by the Auckland family because of the practical and on-line support it provides. The other, by means of a separate JustGiving site, is the Oak Tree Surgery, where any money raised will help to improve the waiting area and make it more user friendly for patients.

Thank you for any support you can give.

Alan Sedgley