In the 30 years since Sir Ian Botham famously put Australia to the sword at Edgbaston to set up a thrilling Ashes series win, the cricketing legend has worked tirelessly to raise money for cancer charities. In 2012, he plans to set off on a number of walks around major UK cities in order to raise money for children suffering from blood cancers, kicking off in Glasgow and finishing in London. On the Welsh leg of the walking tour, which is based in Cardiff, 14-year-old Seren Ternent, who was diagnosed with leukaemia four years ago, will join him.

Massive Fund Raiser

Since beginning this current quest, Botham has completed 13 “Great British Walks” and raised over £13 million, donning his outdoor clothing to rack up a staggering 5,000 miles. As he tours the country on this ten day walking extravaganza, Sir Ian will be joined by children who suffer from blood cancers such as leukaemia. When Ternent went to meet Botham and the other children involved at the launch of the tour, she spoke of her experience, saying it was “really good when I went to London to meet Sir Ian Botham.”

Great Motivation

Sir Ian was motivated to raise funds for children following an injury he sustained in 1977, whilst in hospital he met a group of children suffering from leukaemia. “Over six weeks, as I went in for more treatment, they had all died,” remembers Sir Ian. On continuing with the fundraising, Botham explains that he will not stop until “we beat leukaemia”