A man has raised thousands of pounds after selling his barber shop and deciding to walk across the country for charity.
Actor John May decided to sell his barber shop in Walton and embark on a gruelling adventure which saw him walk from one end of the country to the other. As he worries about a rise in violent crime and the devastating impact on families, he decided to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.
John, who walked from Lands End in Cornwall to John O'Groats in Scotland aimed to raise £50,000 for CIC Weapons Down Gloves Up as he said change is needed to avoid further heartbreak through crime. Joined for the last part of his journey by Tim Edwards, the pair today arrived at John O'Groats, completing the incredible challenge.
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Tim, who is the dad of Elle Edwards' who was shot dead in The Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey Village on Christmas Eve, joined the Liverpool actor on February 26 and has remained by his side since. Tim told the ECHO: "John started to spread the message of the charity which was great, it's a message I felt needed to be spread and wanted to be part of.
"But my main reason for getting involved is in Ellie's memory, to keep her name alive and to spread the message through the country that we've had enough. It's not on, it's got to stop and it's the kids we've got to focus on, to change their attitudes."
He added: "I was only joining for a couple of days but it's been an adventure. For me personally, it's a great time for me to have some clarity and get away from the chaos in my day to day life and it's worked.
"I now have a friendship with John that will last forever. I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone in the city, Wallasey where I live, everyone that's come out to support us, it's really spurred us on and given us the strength to complete it."
Having set off on January 26, John has not only attracted Tim's attention, but many people right across the country, including well-known faces. The ECHO previously reported that hundreds of people gathered at the Pier Head on Liverpool's waterfront to join the pair as they walked through the city.
John said: "Tim met me in Worcester and we hit it off. A couple of days turned into 10 and then the rest of the journey. It’s taken many twists and turns but it’s been an adventure."
Speaking about his reasoning, he added: "It’s about getting kids out of gangs and giving them an incentive to choose a different way of life, in turn, it can save lives. Kids need educating and the opportunity to see what else is available and WDGU does that. Joining gangs and culture is the easy option."
It’s been a gruelling few months for John but he said it has been eye opening. He said: "The walk itself has created quite a bit of awareness, kids have said they’ve been inspired and it’s opened their eyes but it’s been overwhelming.
"Coming into Liverpool we hoped to have 100 people there but around 700 turned up, it was unbelievable."
Anyone wishing to donate can do so here. John's updates can be found via his social media @thatjohnmay on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. More about Weapons Down Gloves Up can be found here.
Tim Edwards added: "To see the city and the region come and join us and turn up in the masses, it was great. It was such a humbling experience and spurred us on. It was a turning point for me and I committed to doing the rest of the walk.
"It's been such a great experience and I'm so proud of the city, it was a special moment that I'll never forget."
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