Sunderland-born man walks 32 miles for Children With Cancer UK

Written by on 27th April 2023

The Sunderland AFC fan is walking 32 miles from Middlesbrough Riverside Stadium to the Stadium of Light on Sunday to fundraise for the charity Children With Cancer UK.

Photo Credit: @gotthegistofit (Chris Johnson at 2022 Great North Run)

Chris Johnson, 43, was diagnosed with cancer (GIST) in 2019. He got it removed in January 2020, but in July of that year he found out that the cancer spread to his liver and is incurable.

Ever since then, while undergoing his treatment, he’s been fundraising for Children With Cancer UK and has started running.

This charity funds lifesaving research into the causes of childhood cancer and developing better and kinder treatments, as well as, raising awareness to to inspire action and fund support for families through treatment.

Children With Cancer UK’s vision is a world where every child survives cancer.

Lucy Cornwell, Community Fundraiser at Children With Cancer UK, said: “By taking on a challenge, supporters like Chris are helping to fund essential research into the causes and treatments for childhood cancer.

“Chris’s incredible fundraising and personal journey is so inspiring, and he is helping us to support families as they face the unimaginable.”

On his Twitter, he announced that if his tweet got 3,000 likes he would wear a Newcastle top, even when being a Sunderland fan all his life.

Throughout 2021, he ran the Great North Run in London, the Sunderland 10K and plenty of other events.

Chris Johnson, said: “I hate the idea that cancer can rob a child or teenager of the chance to do things I’ve been lucky to do.

“I know how tough cancer is for grown up patients and for families. Just try to enjoy your life however old you are. If anything does happen, you give yourself the best chance of getting through it if you’re fit and strong.”

His next adventures are already planned. He’s walking the full length of Hadrian’s Wall in June, as well as, heading up Ben Nevis and then the Great North Run this summer.

Chris believes it is crucial that people are able to look after themselves, look out for problems with their health and if you do notice something, get it checked out.

If you want to support, donate, or get in touch with Children With Cancer UK, just visit www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk.


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