Hello Everyone, my name is Tony Martin, father of Harry, Maisie and Charlie, Husband to Eileen, father in law to Sinead.

I have challenged myself to embark on this adventure on the 16th March 2024, trekking across Iceland.

Our beautiful 24yr old son, Harry, was diagnosed with GBM (Glioblastoma) a cancer that is normally found in the brain, but in Harry`s case was in his lower spine. Our superfit, very independent son rapidly became paralysed. We cannot find the words to express the impact this devasting painful and shocking news was for all of us to hear and make sense of, words do not exist.

We had to hit the ground running, adjust our home for Harry`s changing needs, learn new skills, to be able to care for Harry, whilst always giving him as much control over his care as possible. The stress in the beginning was off the scale, where do you get equipment from, medication control, contact numbers, hospital scans, a biopsy at john Radcliffe, all during lockdown!. We don’t know how we got through the first 3 months, we just did, we had to.

One source of incredible support was the Prospect Hospice, from friendly faced nurses coming in and actually seeing Harry and us, listening to us, offering invaluable advice, as well as providing medical care, sometimes in the later stages something as simple as a dry shampoo, small things made such a difference. To the incredible Pip, who visited to give Harry physio sessions, teaching his brother Charlie, so he could do the Morning and evening sessions with Harry, which gave him focus and routine, I can’t express how important this was, for both of them.

We as a family were supported emotionally by the Prospect Team, a very whole and holistic approach to us all as a family, and we are still able to access that support.

By raising much needed funds, with your help we know we can make a positive difference and help other families who may find themselves in similar position at the most horrific and painful time of their lives.

By doing this we are honouring our most beautiful son Harry, who through his own journey became the wisest, most courageous and strongest man.

Training and challenges:

So looks like some regular long distance walking will be in order, kicking off with the Ridgeway40, 40 miles on the Ridgeway in a day!, luckily I do like walking and Marley (dog) is always happy to come to. I also aim to complete the full Ridgeway trail this year. Also look forward to some training walks with my fellow Iceland trekkers building up to the event.

Fundraising Target:

I will be self funding the cost of this event (£1495), so 100% of the money you donate will go to the Prospect Hospice.

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