A hero’s welcome greeted a 77-year-old man on the home stretch of his year-long, 2,000-mile journey – helping to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your prostate health.
The Monks Eleigh community gathered on Saturday to celebrate the achievement of John Naylor, as he completed the final steps of his challenge to walk 2,000 miles over the course of 2024.
Joined by his many supporters, he walked the final stage of his journey from the village hall to Monks Eleigh public green, where he was presented a special medal by South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge.
John Naylor was welcomed home by his fellow villagers. Below: With MP James Cartlidge. Pictures: Mark Westley
Mr Naylor, who turns 78 in February, told Suffolk News he was humbled by the support shown for the challenge, which has raised £2,485 in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.
He said he had undergone PSA testing – a blood test that helps to check for prostate conditions – in 2023, which indicated he had increased risk of developing cancer.
These results, combined with his age and family history – his father having had his prostate removed before his death, aged 59 – inspired Mr Naylor to act.
NJ Monks Eleigh Village Green, The Monks Eleigh community is holding a celebration for John Naylor, who is completing a challenge to walk 2000 miles during 2024, in support of Prostate Cancer UK. Picture by Mark Westley
He also highlighted the story of six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2024, as it showed the disease can affect anybody.
“As I’m a keen walker, I thought something throughout the year would mean I could continuously raise awareness,” said Mr Naylor.
“Sir Chris Hoy was at stage four cancer and, as a top athlete, he would be one of the most checked people. If it can happen to him, it can happen to anyone.
NJ Monks Eleigh Village Green, The Monks Eleigh community is holding a celebration for John Naylor, who is completing a challenge to walk 2000 miles during 2024, in support of Prostate Cancer UK. Picture by Mark Westley
“Don’t take it for granted – just because you feel all right, it doesn’t mean everything is fine. It’s important for men to talk about their health, go to the doctor and don’t just leave things to chance.”
To make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/page/john-naylor-1703453676087.
To complete the 2,000 miles in 12 months, Mr Naylor had to average almost 40 miles per week, which he tracked and logged via the Walkmeter app.
NJ Monks Eleigh Village Green, The Monks Eleigh community is holding a celebration for John Naylor, who is completing a challenge to walk 2000 miles during 2024, in support of Prostate Cancer UK. Picture by Mark Westley
While focused around the paths and trails around his home in Monks Eleigh, he also clocked many miles on trips to locations such as Scotland, France, Italy and, most recently, Gran Canaria.
Despite suffering a heart attack and undergoing two full knee replacements in recent years, Mr Naylor said he felt in great shape for the challenge, after completing the Leeds Marathon in 2023.
“I’m reasonably fit,” he said. “The year before, I did the Leeds Marathon, so I had trained hard for a year to do that.
“It was more a case of mind over matter and having the self-discipline to stay in the habit of doing the walks. If it was a bit of a grey morning, I had to make sure I didn’t talk myself out of it.
“I’ve had both knees replaced, but they are the best thing that’s happened to me, to be honest. They are probably the strongest part of me.”
Reacting to the reception in his honour on Saturday, Mr Naylor added: “I’ve had lots of verbal support from people who have seen me throughout the year, but to see a large group gather on a murky, winter’s day was fantastic.
“The icing on the cake was the MP turned up and handed me a medal. It was humbling, and a pleasure to see so many people supporting me.”