Posh2Pompey

Sadly, On the 3rd of February, we lost a special man, John Peyser, to cancer. John was a remarkable man who served his country in the RAF for 32 years! The only thing that he loved more than serving his country was his beloved family (and maybe golf), who he would do anything for. Anyone who knew John, would know he was a big friendly giant, who could light up the room with his wit and ability to make light of all situations. Even in his final few days, John made those around him chuckle with his dry sense of humour! It’s hard to put into words just how much he will continue to be missed by those who knew him. John’s story has really inspired me to make a difference; raise awareness and support for the charities that helped the family throughout such a horrendous time.

So what am I doing, you ask? Well for a bloke who moans about walking the dog, this could be a bit of a stretch but here we go…On the 5th of August I will start a mammoth walk tackling the 144 miles from Peterborough United’s football stadium all the way to Portsmouth’s Fratton Park with only the bag on my back carrying the necessities. Fortunately, Sean Garmory has kindly said he will tackle the hike with me. Battling Cancer is something Sean is also extremely passionate about after losing his Dad to Prostate Cancer on the 28th of December 2017. Since then he has strived to raise awareness and money at any given opportunity and I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.

Since John’s (Amie’s Dad) diagnosis of Stage 4 Lung cancer on the 31st July 2019 until the day that he passed, it became more apparent to me than ever the earth-shattering impact that cancer has on the individual as well as those that care for and love them. Over the past couple of years, the family had to process the inevitable death of a son, dad, husband, brother, uncle and friend who was simply too young to be taken from the world! Despite his remarkable resilience, this vicious disease slowly took hold of John’s body: over time he lost his independence, his strength, his sight, his ability to walk and talk as well as his ability to swallow. His helpless family and friends could only comfort him through these things that no one should ever have to endure.

However, during this horrendously isolating and scary time, there were a group of unsung heroes who supported John and Julia throughout. Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation are a charity that religiously supported the family; the personal nurses helped the family to understand the diagnosis, guide them on how to live life with cancer and religiously checked in with John and Julia weekly - listening to their questions and concerns. This charity helped to give John comfort, hope and a purpose! On top of this, Roy Castle forensically researches early detection and patient experience. The money raised will help this remarkable charity to continue to deliver such a personable and purposeful service to other families out there.

So why Posh2Pompey? As an eager-to-please lad stepping into John’s house for the first time, I quickly resorted to a conversation I felt at ease with - football! To my disappointment, I was quick to learn that John was a big Portsmouth fan. Over the years that followed, we took joy in the banter that came with supporting teams in the same league. John, looked for any opportunities to force bloody Pompey into my life whether it was giving Amie a Portsmouth top to sleep in, walking Luna in Portsmouth gear, sending me irritable Portsmouth memes or simply dropping off items in a Portsmouth bag at our house. It seemed fate that Portsmouth’s last game before John passed away was against Posh.

During our Journey, expected to take us a week, we would love for people to join us for sections of the walk (Forrest Gump esk) to help motivate us, feed us and keep us sane. Please let me know if you would fancy this, whether it be for a mile or 10 we would love any support!

Any donations would really be appreciated! Please, help us to support a charity that provides such invaluable work.

Big love,

Connor, Sean and the Peyser family