On Monday 19th August at 10:30am, grateful patient, Terry Coote, 80, began his fundraising journey of walking three laps, approx. 0.6 miles daily around the National Trust Eastbury Manor House in Barking, to raise funds for our charity.

Terry is taking on the challenge to say thank you to our staff after the remarkable care he received during his time in hospital.  

"This walk is my way of saying thank you to the incredible staff who took care of me when I needed it most,” said Terry Coote. "The first-class care I received was simply amazing."

In March 2019, Terry was diagnosed with oesophageal and bowel cancer at the age of 74. His treatment included two nine-week courses of chemotherapy and a crucial 12-hour surgery. After his operation, he spent ten days in hospital participating in physiotherapy sessions to aid his transition back to life at home.

On the first day of the walk, Terry was joined by family, friends and our charity team who cheered him on during his laps.

Terry added: "I am determined to make an impact through this fundraiser. I want to help the hospitals that gave me the first-class treatment that I couldn’t have found elsewhere. I’m still here, and that’s thanks to everyone who looked after me.”

His goal is to raise an impressive £60,000 and use the funds raised to enhance surgical and oncology units at both hospitals, which could fund specialist equipment such as a BK Ultrasound device.

Terry will end his walk on Tuesday 24th December, marking his 127th day of walking and fifth year of being cancer-free.

In September, despite being on holiday for a few weeks, he plans to keep up with his daily mileage and document the process. He will return back to the National Trust Eastbury Manor House after his trip.

Donate to Terry's fundraiser