A SKIN cancer patient who has had six operations over the past year is preparing to take on a 211 mile walking challenge later this year.
Martyn Wells, who was diagnosed with malignant melanoma last March, has committed himself to walking the length of the Severn Way path in ten days this September.
The 49-year-old IT director at Leamington law firm Wright Hassall has recently been told he will not need another check-up for three months after tests showed significant improvement.
Now he is aiming to complete the arduous challenge in order to heighten public awareness about melanoma, as well as raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Martyn said: “Public awareness of melanoma is still poor, yet this illness can spread and become critical very quickly.
“Attitudes towards using high factor suncream still need to change in the UK, not just by the holidaying public but by those who spend time at work or at leisure outside.
“Fortunately for me, Macmillan was there when I needed support and advice coming to terms with cancer.
“A life with cancer is still a life after all – now it’s my turn to give something back which is why I am going to walk the Severn Way.”
Despite admitting he is nervous in the early stages of training, Martyn is determined to see it through and has already received some sound advice from TV survival expert Ed Stafford.
Martyn said: “At the start of the year I was in bad shape, I think the stress of these last months meant that my fitness levels were not front of mind.
“As the New Year came around and things started to improve with my malignant melanoma, I decided that something had to change so I set myself this challenge.
“My wife put out a request for advice on long distance walking on social media and Ed Stafford, who I am a big fan of, replied recommending I use looped stitch socks and apply Vaseline to my feet daily.
“He is one of the most famous explorers on the planet and the fact he took the time to hear my story and offer real, practical advice was very inspiring.”
Martyn, who returned to work at the end of 2017, will be supported on his journey by the Wright Hassall Charitable Trust.
He said: “The team at Wright Hassall have been incredible in terms of their support and allowing me to settle back in at work.
“Their support meant so much to me in dark times.”
Visit www.severnway2018.com to support Martyn’s efforts.
