Mesothelioma Patient, Retired Police Officer's Memory Honored in 102-Mile Challenge

A man will walk 102 miles in honor of his friend, retired police officer Graham “Len” Hutton, who passed away from mesothelioma in December 2008.

John Barnes will embark on the lengthy walk August 26, 2009 and plans to finish the trek on August 31, logging approximately 20 miles each day. Barnes is walking to raise money for the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund, an organization that supports mesothelioma research projects, contributes to clinical trials and assists with seminars and literature produced for mesothelioma patients and caregivers. Barnes hopes to raise more than $8,000 for the Fund and has currently raised nearly $3,000.

The 102-mile journey follows Cotswold Way, a long-distance footpath in the Cotswold Hills in England. Barnes will complete the entire walk but will also be joined by anyone who wishes to participate and donate to the cause. Participants may join Barnes for an entire day, a mile or the whole journey.

“I am hoping my walk will not only increase the awareness of mesothelioma, an asbestos-related disease, but also give some of Len’s friends a chance to remember him,” said Barnes.

Hutton passed away six months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in June 2008, three months after he retired. Prior to his mesothelioma diagnosis, Hutton was extremely active, regularly running and swimming in the beginning of the year. He also served as a police officer for 30 years before managing various sports and recreations centers.

According to the Web site created for the walk, “Len was the sort of person who left a good impression on those he met. He was always willing to help, offer advice, compliment and show an interest in the accomplishments of his family and friends. He was a much love husband, father, step father, grandfather and friend.”

Barnes will begin walking at 8:45 a.m. daily and should finish between 2 and 4 p.m. each day. He will be spending the night in local bed and breakfasts along the way.

Those who wish to participate in the walk may sign up online at www.walkforlen.com. Donations are also accepted on the Web site for those who wish to support from afar.

Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 at 8:49 am and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.