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A groundskeeper at Les Quennevais Playing Fields is raising money for the specialist hospital where his son is being treated for bone cancer – by taking on a 106km walking challenge.
While the 'ultra-walk' isn't until May, John Collier (53) has already raised more than £3,000.
John, who has taken part Island Walk 11 times before, first heard of the Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge through a friend who was taking part shortly after his 23-year-old son Alex had been received his shock diagnosis.
"He's 23, doesn't drink, doesn't smoke and thought he was healthy – and then he had a bit of a sore leg at the end of last year," John recalled.
Alex – who also works for Active, but in Fort Regent – saw his GP and got scans after painkillers didn't work. It later emerged that he had bone cancer in most of his leg.
Currently in Southampton for chemotherapy, he will also need to have his knee and the lower part of his femur replaced.
John said he was proud of how his son had dealt with the devastating news and resulting treatment, adding that Alex was "so strong-willed".
"We haven't had any tears or anything," he noted.
John is now balancing long training sessions with taking care of his son. He paid tribute to his "supportive" employer, and his wife for her care in looking after Alex, even spending her 60th birthday in hospital with him and their family.
The Royal Orthopaedic Charity, which John is raising funds for, supports the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham.
"I've done charity events many times before, but I never thought about cancer as such because it's never been personal to me," he said.
"Now, it's incredibly personal."
He originally set out to raise just £600 – but has since smashed that target by five times, with more than £3,000 raised, and funds continuing to arrive ahead of the walk.
The Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge takes place on 4 and 5 May and will see John walk 106km, or 66 miles, around the Isle of Wight.
"Although I've done big walks before, this will be the furthest I've attempted," he said.
John has been training with long walks on cliff paths and on the road – with several taking him to the rugby club and back.
Pictured: John has been sharing the progress of his training walks.
In the meantime, John said he wanted to raise awareness: "This can affect anyone.
"Just because you think you're young, fit and healthy doesn't mean that you're immune."
John is fundraising for the Royal Orthopaedic Charity in Birmingham.
You can donate, and follow his training updates, on his JustGiving page here.
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