A TEAM of friends and relatives walking in memory of Liskeard GP Dr Geoff Auckland are nearing the end of their 400 mile journey.

Alan Sedgeley is one of three of a core group of walkers, along with Anne and Andrew Hounslow, who have walked every yard of the route. Here, Alan gives an update – and invites local people to join the group as they enter Cornwall next week and head for their end point at the Oak Tree Surgery in Liskeard.

“We reached Exmouth, a journey of 293 miles from the starting point in London. Having visited Guy’s Hospital where Dr Auckland trained, the team of walkers has used the Thames Path, the Ridgeway national trail, the Hardy Way and part of the South West Coast Path, and now have the finish in Liskeard in their sights.

“On several days, the number of walkers has been in the teens with the maximum 18. Sabby Auckland and close family members have been involved throughout along with friends who had walked with Geoff in the past.

“The team has raised over £1,300 for Macmillan Cancer Support with the target of £2,000 now within range. In addition, £300 has been raised to improve facilities for patients at the Oak Tree Surgery in Liskeard where Dr Auckland spent much of his working life. Some of the highs and lows of the trip so far have been excellent weather with the temperature in the 30s on the Thames Path; Dramatic scenery and steep ups and downs on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset; Fields of maize with no path across or around them on the Hardy Way (we ploughed on through!); Two falls including one visit to A&E; Luxurious hot tubs at two of our cottage stays; Dodgy stiles and paths overgrown with brambles and nettles (thank goodness for dock leaves); The friendly encouragement of people met on the way; Great teamwork including map reading, transport support, self-catering and ‘sorting out the world’ discussions.

“We will now spend just over a week in South Devon before tackling the final three days in Cornwall. These are:

“Wednesday, October 20 Cremyll to Freathy starting at 10.30am

“Thursday, October 21 Freathy to Looe starting at 10am

“Friday, October 22 Looe to Liskeard’s Oak Tree Surgery starting at 10.20am with some using the 9.36am train from Liskeard to get to the start.

“Cornish Times readers are invited to join in and can get more details from Alan by email at [email protected]

“Alternatively or additionally, you can support the charities through https://justgiving.com/fundraising/GeoffAucklandMemorialCharityWalk for Macmillan and https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/geoffaucklandmemorialcharitywalk for Oak Tree.