A Ripley man who has overcome both skin and bowel cancer is preparing to walk 100km to support others facing the disease. John Bestwick will take on the continuous day-and-night Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge between June 13 and June 14. The 49-year-old is tackling the distance alongside his son Archie and close friends to raise vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK.
Diagnosis and Recovery
John was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2025, just one year after beating skin cancer. The following month, he underwent a nine-hour operation to remove 24 lymph nodes. After spending 10 days in the hospital and losing three stone in weight, tests thankfully confirmed his cancer had not spread. John then lived with a stoma for seven months before having reversal surgery in October 2025. Now completely cancer-free, he is determined to channel his experience into a positive mission.
The Challenge
The team will push through the continuous walk with no sleep until they cross the finish line. John said: “After everything I’ve been through, I wanted to do something that gives something back. This is going to be tough, but it’s nothing compared to what many people face with this disease.” The close-knit group has already nearly doubled their original £3,500 target by raising almost £7,000 for the charity.
Bowel Cancer in the UK
Bowel cancer remains the second deadliest cancer in the UK, taking nearly 17,000 lives every year. Supporters can contribute to the cause by visiting John’s official fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/john-bestwick-2. The event itself will see thousands of participants walking, jogging, or running along the historic Cotswold Way National Trail.
Route and Team Spirit
The route starts and finishes in Cirencester, featuring beautiful countryside, traditional villages, and sweeping views across the Severn Valley. For John, a passionate Nottingham Forest fan, the main focus is simply crossing the finish line together. John said: “We’re doing this as a team, with my son and close mates, and that makes it even more special. If we can raise awareness and funds that help save lives, then every step will be worth it.”
Join the Challenge
A small number of places are still open for anyone wishing to join the challenge between June 13 and June 14. Further details about the event can be found on the official website at www.ultrachallenge.com/cotswold-way-challenge/.
