A grandad with cancer is taking on a gruelling 450-mile coast-to-coast walk to raise cash for charity.
John Parry, 78, from Tendring village, has become a TikTok star, with more than 2,500 followers after offering advice and encouragement to others battling the disease.
Mr Parry discovered he had high grade bladder cancer in May 2024.
It was only discovered after a fall from a ladder which left him with multiple injuries, including skull fractures.
A medical investigation also revealed he had cancer in his right kidney.
More than a year on, John - known to many simply as 'Grandad' - is looking to support others who have been diagnosed with ways they can cope.
Videos on his TikTok account @WelshGrandad give tips on how to stay busy and showcase ways he deals with what he is going through.
Now, he is taking on a 450-mile walk along the Via Beata pilgrimage route which starts in Lowestoft and finishes in St David's, Pembrokeshire, in west Wales, beginning on June 20.
He is hoping to raise £20,000 on his JustGiving page and to donate £5,000 each to Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Farleigh Hospice and St David’s Hospice.
Mr Parry said: "It started off on TikTok talking to people with cancer and I wanted to help them.
"I can’t cure cancer but I’m doing it because I want to help as much as possible, and it started with me telling people about my accident, my story with cancer and how I reacted to it.
"People react to me and how I try to deal with it - people comment, ask how I cope and what things I do to not have it on my mind.
"When I finish a video I always give the same message - we take it one step at a time and one day at a time."
Mr Parry also spoke about the walk.
He said: "I’m not considering it as difficult but it’s a challenge of course.
"Initially we said £15,000 but then we had four charities so there is now a £5,000 target for each.
"Every single penny which is raised will all go to the charities and nothing will be taken out for expenditure for the trip."
To donate, visit Crowdfunding For Good From JustGiving.
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