Paul Hogan is a determined man.
In the summer he had major surgery for cancer of the oesophagus. He has also had heart bypass surgery and in 1965 he had his right leg amputated following a car accident.
But the 61 year old from Tubney, near Abingdon, is adamant that he will not sit back and feel sorry for himself.
He has just signed up for a three-mile sponsored walk supporting the local NHS cancer and heart services that have looked after him.
He explains: "In 1965 the Radcliffe Infirmary| put me back together after a serious road accident. I had bypass surgery at the John Radcliffe's Heart Centre 14 years ago and six weeks ago, I had major surgery at the Cancer Centre. So taking part in this event – and raising some money along the way – is a great chance to say a proper 'thank you' to all the medical staff who have helped me."
Paul, who runs a property development and investment company, has started training by doing short walks in his village.
He says: "I can't just sit at home watching TV and feeling sorry for myself. I am a fighter – it's the only way I know."
He is determined that, come the 'It's Not Just a Walk in the Park' event on Sunday 17 October 2010, he will be able to complete all three miles of the Oxford University Parks route.
"Three miles to most people will seem like nothing, but to me it is a real challenge, and if I get all the way round, it will feel like an amazing milestone."
"Despite everything that has happened to me, I feel lucky to live so close to both these centres of medical excellence and to have benefited from the expertise of the medical teams. I know that fundraising events like this are important as they raise money to help provide the very best equipment and facilities for our local hospitals, and I hope people will think that if I can do it, they can do it too."
Last year 450 people took part in the walk, raising nearly £40,000 for the two centres, which helped to pay for state-of-the-art medical equipment and facilities.
Local broadcaster, Wesley Smith, has taken part in all three of the hospital fundraising walks and will be the official starter at the event again in 2010. He said:
"Like many people, I have close friends and family who are affected by cancer and heart disease – so this is an important local event for me, which I am really proud to be supporting again this year.
"Having visited both the Oxford Heart Centre| and Oxford Cancer Centre| and spent time talking with staff and patients, I know how much of a difference fundraising makes – and that every penny raised really counts."
"The walk is truly inspiring, as so many people taking part have been through very difficult times, yet they still want to give something back. So it would be great to see hundreds of people walking with us on Sunday 17 October".
Sarah Vaccari, Communications Manager at Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds team said: "We are delighted that Wesley is joining us again this year and are always humbled by our participants, like Paul, who are truly inspirational. When you are in the midst of such a difficult time, to be able to see beyond that and want to do something positive that will help other people is really admirable."
"This is a gentle walk, through a really beautiful park, and the three miles is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including wheelchair users and children in buggies, which makes the atmosphere really special. We are optimistic that people will join us in their hundreds once again, as we know that it means a lot to people that the money they are raising goes straight to their local Cancer and Heart Centres."
It costs £7.50 to enter the walk and children walk for free. All entrants are asked to try and raise £50 or more in sponsorship.
To enter 'It's Not Just a Walk in the Park':
Contact: Sarah Vaccari
Contact Details:
sarah.vaccari@orh.nhs.uk| / 01865 743428