65-mile walk home in cancer charity fundraiser

But that is what one former city resident is doing on Saturday as he tries to do his bit to help his best friend's sister who is suffering from a life-threatening form of skin cancer.

Matthew Smith, formerly of Rocket Pool, Bilston, has decided to do the 65-mile walk in the hope he can raise as much money possible for Cancer Research UK following what 21-year-old Jess Cook has been through in recent times.

Jess, who is the sister to Matt's best friend Ben, is the inspiration of the walk after being diagnosed with skin cancer and has recently completed chemotherapy after being told she had just months to live.

Matt, 25, who now lives in Chester, will be starting from his current home in Saltney, heading towards Tattenhall, passing through Malpas, Whitchurch, Hinstock, Newport and Albrighton before finishing in his home town of Wolverhampton.

The journey could take him a total of 21 hours to complete, depending on weather conditions throughout the day. he will also be letting his fans know how he's doing by sending updates on his Twitter feed @smithm55 and using the hashtag #CH4toWV14.

"I've not done anything like this before but I wanted to do something challenging which I felt would enable me to give something back," he told the Express & Star.

"I have lost grandparents to cancer in the past but it wasn't until Jess was given this horrific news that I wanted to help in some way.

"It's going to be challenging in many different ways, I just hope I can spot a few pubs along the way for some half hour stops. I'll be giving myself the whole weekend

"I've been practising hard by doing some five-mile and 15-mile walks in preparation but I think nothing will compare to the challenge on the big day.

"Jess is a real fighter and when she was diagnosed it seemed like she was never scared by it. She is such a positive person. I just want to make Jess and Ben proud and help them as much as possible."

Matt's fundraising efforts have seen him raise more than £400 so far through his Just Giving page.

"I've had great support so far and it would be fantastic if I could raise more than £500," he added.

"So far it has just been my friends and family which have donated so I'm keen to spread the word out there and try and get more funds in."

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/smithm55.