Derbyshire firefighter duo taking on SAS hiking challenge for cancer charities

John Barton and Mark Roberts, part of the on-call rota at Bolsover fire station, will attempt to complete the famous 24 kilometre ‘Fan Dance’ route over Pen Y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons National Park, on Monday, April 1 – a challenge used as part of the selection process for the SAS.

As if that did not sound enough of a fool’s errand, they will do it all while carrying a 60 kilogram log between them – meaning every penny raised for Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer UK will be hard-earned.

The ‘Walking for John’ expedition began with their discovery that their dads – both named John – had been diagnosed with stage four cancers, an experience which has created a strong bond of friendship through months of training in the gym and out around the Peak District.

John Barton junior, 37, a self-employed joiner alongside his firefighting role, said: “It’s a sad story when you stop to think about it too much, and there’s been a lot of stress but it’s really brought us together and we decided to come up with a challenge to make a difference and give us a sense of purpose and direction through a hard time.

“It’s partly a way to show our dads that we’re there to support them, and keep them positive – and in the beginning raising money was the goal – but as it’s gone on we’ve met and talked to so many other people with similar stories. We’re doing this for all of them too.”

He added: “We also want to raise awareness so that men won’t ignore the possible tell-tale signs. Blokes often seem too proud to get checked out, or it’s something they don’t want to talk about.