A former Royal Marine from Angus is set to “yomp” across the UK in the memory of his wife and father-in-law.
Thomas “Taff” Davies lost Audrey to cancer in 2005 and her father Joe Wood to dementia in 2013.
Taff retired last year and, having previously walked from Arbroath to Pool in 2012 to raise money for breast cancer awareness, has vowed to walk 1,262 miles from John o’Groats to Land’s End as part of a wider challenge.
The 63-year-old hopes to raise money for Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer Scotland and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.
His 85-day challenge begins on May 2 and Taff will undertake the journey in 15-mile stints, sleeping under the stars in a tent carried on his back.
Audrey fell ill in June 2005 and died in October that same year.
She had a strong desire to start walking and planned to do the West Highland Way and Hadrian’s Wall when she recovered from her illness.
Unfortunately, she did not recover but Taff completed both on her behalf.
Someone suggested Taff walk from Arbroath to Poole, which he laughed at as he was approaching his 60th birthday but handled the challenge readily and raised £5,000.
He said: “During the latter stages of that walk to Poole, I thought I could certainly do John o’ Groats to Land’s End.
“I took early retirement in October and thought: let’s do it whether I’ll regret it or not, I’ll soon find out.
“I’m only doing about 15 miles a day, so I hope people will join me.
“Marines are joining me near the end on the south-west coastal path and there are people who will join me on Jock’s Road, so I’ve still got a lot of time for company in between.”
Taff will be aided by his son and daughter, who live in Edinburgh and Arbroath.
Donations can be made at www.bmycharity.com/ThomasTaffsJohnOGroatstoLandsEndand anyone who would like to join Taff for a stint can email him at davies_t10@sky.com.
Donations can also be made to the RMA east of Scotland branch British Legion, marked with Taff’s name and the charity which is to receive the donation.