A dad's "midlife crisis" will see him walk an incredible 1,200 miles as he pledges to reduce violent crime in the city.
John May, 41, decided to sell his barber shop in Walton and embark on a gruelling adventure which will see him walk from one end of the country to the other. As he worries about a rise in violent crime and the devastating impact on families, he decided to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.
John, who is walking from Lands End in Cornwall to John O'Groats in Scotland with only his trusted backpack in the middle of winter, will also find himself wild camping as he aims to raise £50,000 for CIC Weapons Down Gloves Up.
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John told the ECHO: "Call it a midlife crisis but I decided to sell my business and reset. I went for a walk and decided I'd walk from Lands End to John O'Groats because it's something I'd always fancied doing.
"But I knew it would be a crying shame if I didn't raise money for charity so I decided to do it for the incredible Weapons Down Gloves Up who take kids aged 16 to 25 and try to deter them from living the gang life.
"They bring them into the boxing community and teach them discipline and structure and help them with work and employment. I think kids these days get into gangs because they are looking for validation and a sense of loyalty and feeling safe but they can get that in the gym."
John, who said he worries about the innocent victims in violent crossfire, set off on the incredible journey on January 26 and is expected to finish on April 25.
The comedian added: "Education is important. Young kids, young girls, are being killed and it's destroying families. I've got three daughters and it's heartbreaking to think of the devastation.
"In my head, I'm saving lives on this walk by raising awareness and not even know it. I'm not going to eradicate the problem but hopefully I will reduce it. These young kids, they aren't involved in that criminal life, but they are victims and it's worrying."
John will also be joined by a few famous faces along the way, including Steven Gerrard. Having already raised over £4,000, John hopes to bring in £50,000 for the cause.
He said "It's going really well, I've done 200 miles so far and have another 900 to go which is daunting but I like a challenge."
Anyone wishing to donate can do so here. John will be keeping people updated on his journey via his social media @thatjohnmay on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. More about Weapons Down Gloves Up can be found here.
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