Man and his dog arrive in Weston as part of 3,000 mile charity walk

A MAN and his dog who are walking 3,000 miles for charity have arrived in Weston.

Nick Johnson, 63, from Wiltshire, and his dog Louis are walking the English coastline in the hopes of raising £50,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action.

The owner and pet duo set off on March 10 from Highcliffe Castle in Dorset. Since then, they have walked an impressive 586 miles.

The money raised will sponsor a scientist at the research centre in memory of Nick's late wife, Lisa. 

Lisa sadly passed away from cancer in 2023, after spending 30 years happily married.

Nick and Louis in Minehead. (Image: Ovarian Cancer Action)

Speaking about his motivation, Nick said: “I’m walking 3,000 miles in memory of Lisa and also in the hope that by helping the charity in some small way will ensure that ovarian cancer will be survivable for future generations, as today many women do not know the symptoms and early diagnosis is critical.  

"We’ve met many fantastic people during our time on the Southwest Coast path.

"Endless miles, terrible weather and conditions have been rewarded by kind and generous donations by strangers.

"It’s been humbling and heartwarming to reflect and share our story bringing into focus the charities goals to make ovarian cancer survivable for future generations.” 

Nicks's story on the OCA 3K website, where you can also donate, reads: "The rationale for undertaking this huge challenge is to honour the memory of Lisa, by helping the charity in some small way in the hope that Ovarian Cancer will be survivable for future generations.

"For me personally the difficult days will help me draw strength as the toughest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life and the experience a time for reflection. Together closing one chapter whilst glimpsing a view of new horizons.

"It was a fateful day in 1985 when I first caught site of Lisa exiting a lift where she was working, and I was visiting. I was instantly attracted. Making excuses to go back I tracked her down where a love story was born.

"We endured the challenges of a long-distance relationship, the personal adjustments in our first home together in 1990 and married in 1993. We were fortunate to spend many wonderful years together before she was taken from us just before her 59th Birthday and our 30th Wedding Anniversary."

Louis in Weston. (Image: Ovarian Cancer Action)

Vicki Bednall, fundraising director of Ovarian Cancer Action, added: “It’s truly amazing that Nick is taking on this challenge for us.

"We catch up with him regularly and love to hear more about his adventures with Louis. The funds he is raising will make an incredible difference to women with ovarian cancer.” 

Already, Nick and Louis have raised £14,389.