A WOMAN from Somerset has embarked on a barefoot walk that will be around 117 miles across the whole of Somerset in support of her friend.

Cari Hampson is undertaking a “Ward of the Rings” challenge, a namesake for her friend Jon Ward and the fact she is completing the challenge barefoot, "like the hobbits of the shire."

“Jon is widely loved and appreciated, and his friends and family would love to see him able to stay with us for a long time,” said Cari.

Sadly, Jon Ward had been diagnosed with cancer and is currently battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which has metastasised to his liver.

Jon is currently engaging with some "novel treatment options" in Germany and is supported by his family Valerie, Tony, and Alex and his hugely supportive partner, Bryony.

Walking the distance barefoot, Cari will be completing The Mendip Ring, which is a 117-mile-long circular walk that practically covers the circumference of the Mendip District in Somerset.

Starting in the Glastonbury area, she will be supported in stages by her friends who will pick her up after she completes a stage, returning her to where she parked her car at the start.

Cari has already started her journey which you can follow along with by following the content she posts via her Instagram account.

 

Speaking before she started her journey this week, Cari explained why she is taking on this challenge: “I grew up only a few miles away from Jon and have known him since I was a teenager.

“His positive energy radiating and his banging tunes echoing through the days and nights of various social gatherings over the years. 

“He has endured 8 months of chemotherapy on the NHS to try and control the tumours.

“In April 2024, the NHS determined that the chemotherapy was ineffective (as the tumours were still growing - albeit slowly). Jon's treatment was therefore suspended by the NHS.”

Cari has a personal link to this disease as her mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, eventually passing away in 2007.

Cari said: “I want to do everything I can to give Jon the best chance possible at life and would be extremely grateful for anything that people can donate towards Jon and his recovery.

“Donations will be sent straight to Jon's Father so they can be used to support his current treatment protocol.”

To support Cari’s journey and help raise money for Jon Ward you can view the fundraiser online and donate via the GoFundMe page.

Cari has already raised over £1500 so far and insists that every donation is appreciated, big or small, to help Jon get better.

Cari hopes to help Jon during this really difficult time.

She said: “I will be completing the walk in stages to fit it around my work circumstances, but where I can this will be in 2-day stints where I will walk as much as possible.

“This will mean I will be sleeping rough in between days of walking.

“The walk has 9 legs that average 10-14 miles each, and the full walk can be done in 9-15 days (with shoes) according to the website, but I will be attempting this walk barefoot and as quickly as possible.

“Jon is in a race against time to explore and engage with treatments that will support him to live, and I want to make sure that my walk reflects both the urgency and the gruelling nature of what Jon has been facing in his treatment.”