A KEEN sportsman from Cam will be tackling a mammoth 24-hour walk next month on memory of his dad who died following treatment for blood cancer.

Greg Allen, 37, will be walking 100km from Bristol to Cheltenham, stopping off at several sports clubs on the way, to raise money for research into the disease.

In the autumn of 2014, Greg’s dad Chris was diagnosed with myelodysplasia – a form of blood cancer where bone marrow does not produce sufficient healthy blood cells.

It was discovered at an early stage by chance in the results of a blood sugar test.

Treatment involved a series of chemotherapy courses, a bone marrow transplant and several long stays in hospital.

Early in 2015 he was given the all-clear by doctors who deemed the transplant to be a success.

However, during his recovery Chris contracted double pneumonia and died.

Greg said: “Throughout the whole process, he was looked after by some wonderful professionals and we can't thank them enough for the care they gave him. 

“By undertaking this personal challenge, I want to help fund the research that helped my dad so much and can help so many more people that find themselves in the same position.”

Greg will be supported on his walk by his sister Becci who will drive the support car and organise the route logistics.

Friends and family members will also join him for sections of the trek which will include stops at Stone Cricket Club and Dursley Rugby Club, both clubs at which he has played and at which his Dad supported him, as well as Gloucester Rugby Club, where Chris had been a season ticket holder for more than 50 years.

The walk has been split into ten sections and will start at Bristol Royal Infirmary at 10pm on Sunday, August 27 before finishing at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel the following day.

To support Greg’s efforts, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Gregs24hrwalk

For updates on the walk, go to Facebook/gregs24hrwalk or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @gregs24hrwalk