Bob Champion who is famously known for his Grand National win just one year after battling cancer, has marked his 40-year journey with a visit to the Royal Marsden and the Institute of Cancer Research.
The Grand National winner embarked on a 191-mile charity walk to represent the 191 days from his diagnosis in 1979.
The fundraising walk, 40 for 40, highlights 40 memorable stops, all connected to his remarkable life story and representing every year from 1981 to 2021.
On Saturday (May 8), Bob visited the Royal Marsden as one of his walking points due to the pivotal role it played in his cancer recovery.
In 1986, he opened The Bob Champion Cancer Research Unit at the Royal Marsden and later returned to the hospital in 1992, where he opened a lounge for people receiving long term in-patient care.
In the year 2000, Bob opened The male centre for urological cancers, the first male dedicated research centre in Europe, on the site. It was partly funded by The Bob Champion Cancer Trust, which he set up in 1983.
Other stops on the fundraising walk included trainer’s yards such as Tom Dascombe, Dan Skelton and Jonjo O’Neill and places of interest such as Barkfold Manor, where his mount Aldaniti lived in retirement and is buried.
The challenge aims to raise much-needed funds for The Bob Champion Cancer Trust, which has to date raised more than £15 million towards cancer research.
Speaking about his challenge, Bob Champion said: “My story 40 years ago gave hope to people around the world fighting cancer.
"I have dedicated my life to the cause and hope that people will support me again on this anniversary walk for the good work my Trust does on a daily basis.”
The Grand National winner recently revealed that just before he started the walk, doctors discovered a tumour on his kidney.
“I had a very bad back pain just before I started my walk and scans showed I have a tumour on my kidney which needs removing," he said.
"I was determined I would carry on with my 40th anniversary walk though as to raise money for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust has been my life’s work and I didn’t intend to fall at the final fence when the money is still much needed!
"So far, we have raised over £55,000 and it’s still coming in.
"Thank you to my sponsor Wasdell Group and everyone who has walked and supported me.”
To donate visit here.
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