David Cross, 68, was diagnosed in April and is walking between Masonic centres in Kettering and Letchworth to raise money for Cransley Hospice and the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital in Hertfordshire.

Mr Cross is being joined on the walk by Andrew Porter, other freemasons and Cross family members for different legs of the trip.

The group has already raised more than £3,000 with the trek.

Speaking from the second leg of the walk on Wednesday, Mr Cross said the progress had been challenging but enjoyable so far.

He said: "We are doing really well, it's all going very well. I haven't got one blister yet, but I am a little bit tender.

"We did have a little drizzle on the first day but the weather has been mostly glorious for us.

"We have met some lovely people on the way and have been rattling the collection buckets as we go. Somebody even threw a ten pound note in there yesterday, which was very generous and much appreciated.

"I'm not regretting it one little bit, we're having a great time."

The walking party stayed in Bedford on Wednesday night and intends to arrive in Letchworth on Saturday morning.

Mr Cross' son Phil joined his father on the first leg of the walk on Tuesday and said he was a shining example to everybody.

Phil said: "Dad is an absolute inspiration to me and always has been.

"I've never wanted to walk 17 or 18 miles in a day for fun, that's what the car was invented for, but for a great cause like this you have to step up to the mark.

"Dad always says if you have a negative you have got to turn it into a positive. His cancer was really terrible news for him and it knocked us all for six, but he has found an opportunity to help other people."

For Andrew Porter, who is completing the walk alongside Mr Cross and acting as a pace setter, the challenge won't end on arrival at Letchworth.

A fundraising barbecue is taking place on Saturday afternoon in Askwill and Andrew will be running the 15 miles there to raise more money.

If you wish to sponsor Mr Cross on his trek, visit justgiving.com/noahsarkcross or justgiving.com/cransleycross.