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Sponsored walk from Dover to Canterbury in memory of Josh Davies who died of cancer in 2012 aged 18

Seven men are going on a sponsored walk in memory of a friend who died of cancer aged 18.

They are walking 19 miles (30.6km) in the run-up to the 10th anniversary of Josh Davies' passing.

Six of the seven walkers pictured. Alex Fagan, Patrick Verrill, Issack McIntyre, Jon Tinker, Carl Deary and Charlie Mattinson. Picture: Patrick Verrill
Six of the seven walkers pictured. Alex Fagan, Patrick Verrill, Issack McIntyre, Jon Tinker, Carl Deary and Charlie Mattinson. Picture: Patrick Verrill

They will march from outside his home in Buckland Avenue, Dover, to the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury where he spent his last days. The walk is to raise funds for the hospice.

It is from 9am on Sunday, November 7, the day before Josh would have turned 28.

One of the group, Patrick Verrill, said: "We are proud as a group of friends to raise money for such an amazing charity and express how much Josh means to us all.

"Josh fought a battle no one of his age should have to face but showed incredible courage and bravery throughout.

"We will always do whatever we can to show our love for Josh and keep his memory alive."

Josh Davies who died 10 years ago next August. Picture supplied by Patrick Verrill
Josh Davies who died 10 years ago next August. Picture supplied by Patrick Verrill

The remaining walkers are Jon Tinker, Alex Fagan, Alex Hanagan, Carl Deary, Issack McIntyre and Charlie Mattinson.

All seven are from Dover and Folkestone and all, except Mr McIntyre, attended St Edmund's RC School in Dover with Josh.

They have a crowdfunding page for the trek and by today (Monday) had already raised more than £1,500 having had an original £500 target. The aim is now to get £2,000.

Joshua died on August 2, 2012 after a year's illness.

His friends hold memorials for him annually but more will be done now because it the run-up to the 10th anniversary.

Josh's pals about to have a charity lex waxing for him in May 2012. From left Ollie Conlam,Ray Davies, Jordan Casey,Patrick Verrill,Carl Deary, and Keith Barri. Picture: Paul Amos
Josh's pals about to have a charity lex waxing for him in May 2012. From left Ollie Conlam,Ray Davies, Jordan Casey,Patrick Verrill,Carl Deary, and Keith Barri. Picture: Paul Amos

These include, on August 6, 2022, a rock concert with bands such as local group Savages and a DJ.

This will be at the Phoenix Railway Social Club at Crabble Lane, Dover.

Events will also raise funds for the Emily Ash Trust which supports families who have a child, teenager or young adult with cancer and helped Josh and his relatives.

Mr Verrill, Mr Deary and Joshua's dad Ray Davies took part in a leg waxing in May 2012, raising £500 to help pay for a holiday for Josh and his brothers.

That was at the Diamond pub in Heathfield Avenue, Dover.

You can sponsor the walk this November 7 by clicking here. justgiving.com/fundraising/dovertocanterbury

There is also a collection pot at the Motis Café at Lord Warden Square, Dover Western Docks.

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