Man With Cystic Fibrosis Raises Thousands On 100 Mile Charity Walk Across South Downs

A man with Cystic Fibrosis, who walked 100 miles across the South Downs, has raised £3,000 for the hospital which gave him a new pair of lungs.

45-year-old Grant Ward was told his life expectancy was greatly reduced by the genetic condition — and says he feels very fortunate to have made it this far, thanks to a life-saving double lung transplant in 2018.

Grant said:

"I finished my charity walk on the April 24 in sunny Eastbourne after walking 100 plus miles from Winchester, I got lost a few times. It felt incredible, I was overwhelmed with emotion.

"I am so pleased that I had achieved my goal and raised a lot of money for Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital.

"These are the guys who gave me my new lungs, my new life and ongoing excellent aftercare. They are a great team that goes above and beyond the call of duty. I can't thank them enough.

"My goal was for £1,000 and now it has reached around £3000. It’s been a wonderful journey with many great memories."

Walking the South Downs Way was a great personal achievement for Grant, being able to take on such a long distance walk, over many hills and raising money for charity too.

Through Grant's adventure, he would like to be able to inspire people, showing those waiting for a transplant what incredible things can be achieved post transplant.

"Big love to the NHS. I wouldn't be here without them."

You can donate to Grant's fundraiser at: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1022448544975650/ or follow his transplant journey via his blog at: https://www.rbhcharity.org/blog/grants-story