Thames Path Walk: An epic challenge
Despite record-breaking temperatures over the May bank holiday weekend, 27-year-old Jasper and his fellow walkers crossed the Thames Path Walk challenge’s finishing line at the Thames Barrier at 2.30pm, having walked 18km from London Bridge that day.
It took him three weeks to complete the 185-mile route, as he wanted to break the walk into manageable sections, so that as many people as possible could join him along the way.
Jasper studied physics at Oxford University and played rugby for both Northampton Saints Academy and Oxford University. He was working in Amsterdam when he suffered his first seizure in December 2024, so had to return home to Cambridge. He was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour and underwent major brain surgery on New Year’s Eve. Doctors then told Jasper that his tumour was terminal and he had between one and five years to live.
Despite this, Jasper was determined to remain positive and to do all he could to raise vital funds and awareness for The Brain Tumour Charity whilst he was still well.
Jasper said: “In December of 2024, following a couple of epileptic seizures, I was diagnosed with a terminal grade 4 astrocytoma which has a typical prognosis of one to five years. I was expedited into surgery on New Year’s Eve and then began nine months of treatment which included radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
“As a result, I began thinking of ways to connect with my many friends and raise money for a good cause.”
“As a keen through-hiker, when my mind turned to fundraising, I thought a nice long walk would be perfect. We are blessed to have a wonderful collection of National Trails in the UK and, as an Oxford graduate with many of my friends in London, there was only one Trail that would link both – the Thames Path.”
The Thames Path Walk follows Britain’s iconic river, a route that takes it through Cotswold villages and towns before finishing at the Thames Barrier. Jasper has been the sole organiser of the walk and has coordinated more than 200 individual walkers who joined him over the miles. The recent heatwave racheted up the level of difficulty for him.
Jasper said: “It’s been great to walk the Thames Path National Trail with my friends and family to fundraise for The Brain Tumour Charity. The last three weeks have been some of the most fun, memorable, and varied weeks I’ve experienced, walking from the serene rural areas around the source, through the beautiful towns Buckinghmashire then into hustle and bustle – and famous sights – of urban central London.
“In order to encourage as many people as possible to walk with us, we deliberately kept daily distances short. The walking each day was easy – the Path is slightly downhill all the way! – and with so many different friends and family joining in, the days flew by. That said, as is natural after three weeks and 185 miles of walking (and by the end in 30 plus degree heat!), I certainly glad to see the Thames Barrier.
“I’ve been blown away by the support; we’ve had more than 200 people join through the walk, dinner, and drinks event, and through this I’ve raised over £100,000. Thank you so much to everyone who has walked, donated, or cheered us on!”
Support for Jasper
Jasper was joined on the route at the weekend by Laura Benge, Community Fundraiser for The Brain Tumour Charity.
Laura said: “It has been a joy to watch Jasper, and his friends and family, as this fundraiser has grown from his early goal to raise £10,000 into something far bigger. Jasper has inspired a huge community to support him and has done it all with positivity and a smile.
“Seeing the 60 strong group of walkers reach the end on Monday was a special moment for all involved, and Jasper deserves much praise and thanks for his outstanding fundraising achievement.”
Dr Michele Afif, CEO of The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “Jasper and his family are an inspiration to The Charity. His determination to complete the route, despite extreme weather conditions affecting the final stages, has been incredible.
“This has been about so much more than raising a remarkable sum of money. It has been about endurance, courage, community and awareness. Jasper’s openness, his willingness to share his story and his generosity of spirit, have been the heart of his ability to reach so many people who have then lent their support.
“It is an incredible contribution for which we are hugely grateful.”
Whilst enjoying a well-deserved break for now, Jasper is determined to do more to help raise awareness and is already planning a second fundraising dinner in Cambridge in September.
- Jasper’s fundraising: https://www.justgiving.com/page/dixjasper
- Jasper’s Instgram: @jasperwalksthethames
Take on your own challenge!
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