UPDATE - Issue 19 - October 2004
Guy Woodford's long walk
Guy Woodford's prostate cancer was initially diagnosed in 1997. Following radical surgery he hoped the problem was eliminated. Regrettably, it has resurfaced and subsequent radiotherapy has not helped. so now he is suppressing the problem with hormonal therapy.
Guy Woodford (the tall one!) has now embarked on an ambitious fund raising mission. With a group of friends, he has started to walk the 660 km of the GR5 walk from Lake Geneva through the Alps to the Mediterranean. This three-stage walk is being undertaken by Guy Woodford and thirteen friends. The group who originated from Hongkong in the early 70s where they formed friendships either on the rugby field at the Hongkong Football Club or whilst hashing on a Monday night around the foothills of Hongkong Island and Kowloon. The group is now widely dispersed and meet up annually from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, California and more locally in Europe.
The treks are organised by a core group of individuals who plan and arrange the logistics involving a recce by 3 or 4 of them to ensure that the distances and accommodation are appropriate! This is not always totally fulfilled!
The first third of this trek was completed in early September this year over a period of 10 days walking the 170 km to Bourg St Maurice. The team of Guy's thirteen friends spent 3 nights in refuges at 2600 metres and it was cold, close to the snowline. The scenery was spectacular and the view of Mont Blanc shimmering in the distance well worth all the effort. Early next September the group will rejoin the trail at Bourg St Maurice to complete the second stage, which will take them closer to the Mediterranean.
Prostate Research Campaign UK has already received over £20,000 from Guy and his sponsors. Many thanks and good luck with the next stage.