Well-known fundraiser Tony Peters has completed the longest walk of his life, circling Ascension Island in a gruelling 39.58-mile trek to raise money for cancer.
Tony, who was transiting through Ascension on his way to St Helena, works at Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands and is recognised for his tireless walking challenges. On Saturday, he took on the “Stride for Cancer.” Setting off at 6:00 a.m. from Georgetown, he and a small group of supporters braved the average Ascension temperatures, clinker, and fatigue, with Tony determined to complete his planned full route around the island.
The route began at Long Beach, heading up via One Boat to English Bay, then continuing on via Two Boats to North East Bay. From there, he returned via Two Boats to the Red Lion at Green Mountain, then proceeded through Travellers Hill, left to the Devil’s Ashpit, and back down towards Command Hill. The final stretch passed through the US Base before returning to Long Beach, where it had all started.
The walk took around 14 hours from start to finish, with only short breaks for water and snacks. By the time Tony returned to Georgetown, his legs were “wobbly” and he admitted feeling “as if I was drunk walking,” but he pushed through to the finish line with the help of cheering supporters.
Joining Tony along the way were local resident workers Kyla Benjamin, Wendy Harris (transiting), Samantha Royles, Tatelyn Royles, Tia Williams, and Shannon Duncan David Beard. Latisha Fowler, Dawn (A lady from encompass) Support also came from the roadside, with walkers and friends including Karen Stroud, Kayleigh Henry, Jolene Leo, Kimberly Peters, and Di Henry rallying him toward the end.
A support vehicle, arranged by Mitie (MOD contractor) and driven by Gareth Henry, followed the group to ensure their safety throughout the day. Tony expressed his gratitude to all who joined him:
“Yesterday I successfully completed the longest walk I have ever done in my lifetime… I was very determined to finish it all. Thank you, Lord, for giving me strength to achieve my aim,” Tony said afterwards.
The walk wasn’t without its toll, with Tony admitting to sore legs, blisters, and exhaustion the following morning. But he was quick to turn the focus back to the cause: raising awareness and funds in the fight against cancer.
Organiser and fellow walker Samantha Royles praised his determination:
“We made it, guys! Tony, you did us all proud. No giving up. You were amazing. It was teamwork and support from start to finish not forgetting the laughs along the way.”
For Tony, this “Stride for Cancer” was not just another walk but a deeply personal mission to dedicate his time and effort to a worthy cause, proving once again that he’s willing to put his feet and his stamina where his heart is.
So far, online donations for this walk have only reached £80 of the £500 goal, which is rather low for such a big cause with so much personal effort behind it.
Every little bit really does make a difference, so if you haven’t donated yet, please consider giving whatever you can.
Donations can still be made online through Tony’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tony-peters-ascension-event?
Tony is now en route to St Helena on the SA Airlink, where he will spend some well-deserved time resting and recuperating with his family.