Jack Cornwell walking from Durham to Darlington for his nan

Jack Cornwell, 21, will leave Durham Cathedral with his sister and three friends tomorrow at 9.30am, with the aim to be in Darlington town centre between 6pm and 6.30pm.

The 21-year-old is raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and is walking in memory of his nan, Valerie Bland.

Valerie sadly died two years ago from cancer.

Jack’s nan, Valerie Bland (Image: JACK CORNWELL)

Jack explained why he is doing the walk.

“In the later stages of my life, my nan was supported by nurses from Macmillan,” he said.

“But they were also really supportive to us. They were fantastic and support as many people as they can throughout the country.

“I think the work they do is amazing.”

Jack on a previous fundraising event (Image: JACK CORNWELL)

Jack lived with his nan since the age of four and said she always helped him with whatever he needed.

He added: “Some people these days may not be that close with their nan, but I was incredibly close to her.”

This is the fourth fundraising event Jack has done in memory of his nan and to raise funds for Macmillan.

Jack as a child with his nan, Valerie (Image: JACK CORNWELL)

He said: “I did a walk from Middlesbrough to Darlington, raising just short of £1,000. Then I did an event where I had my head in a hole and people threw wet sponges at me, which was horrible.

“And I did two cake sales as well. The events were really positive and raised more than £2,000 for a great charity.”

So far, Jack has raised £1,250 for charity ahead of his walk tomorrow, which he is really looking forward to.

He said: “We are stopping in Ferryhill and Newton Aycliffe on the way. The walk is 20 miles; it’s not a short walk.

“We have t-shirts ready for tomorrow; it’s going to be amazing.”

You can donate to Jack’s fundraiser by visiting: https://www.gofundme.com/f/macmillan-walk-saturday-9th-may-durham-to-darlington