Home from Home

By John Gribbin

My Activity Tracking

57
kms

My target 1000 kms

Thanks for visiting my page

My mate, Eamonn Donnelly, and I have hatched a plan to raise some money and awareness for two charities of particular relevance to us, namely Great Ormond Street, where my oldest son was treated when he was born, and Cancer Fund for Children, who were a great support when my friend’s niece suffered from the disease a few years ago.  The idea of giving something back to these causes has been germinating for some time and 2026 seems like the right year with my son turning 25 and me turning 60. 

Our plan is to complete a 1000km hike from my home in Essex to my family home in County Armagh, Ireland – ‘Home from Home’.  Walking about 30km per day on public footpaths wherever possible, it will take us about 6 weeks to complete; we will be setting out on 4th July 2026 and hope to arrive at my family home on or around 14th August. 


Donating through The Kier Foundation is simple, fast and totally secure. All funds raised will be split 50/50 with Great Ormond Street and Cancer Fund for Children. Gift Aid will be claimed on every eligible donation made by a UK taxpayer, raising more for charity at no extra cost to you.

My Updates

Home From Home 2026 Links to follow us on..

Friday 3rd Jul
Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/share/1cxvzmXnjm/
And on https://www.instagram.com/homefromhome2026?igsh=MTM1bGQwcnl0cXViMA==

Thank you to my Sponsors

£250

Peter Gilbert

Good Luck John and Eamon it wont be easy but a great couple of charities you are supporting, what an amazing way to celebrate your big birthday!. All the best from Pete and all at AWJ.

£200

Grace

Wonderful way to mark becoming a sexagenarian and to support GOS…. Wishing you good weather and lots of stamina. X

£200

Atlantic Contracts

A fantastic effort for two charities that make such a difference — well done and enjoy every step of the adventure.

£200

Grangewood Brickwork Services Ltd

Good Luck from all at Grangewood Brickwork

£100

Graham Potts

Turned out that Ryanair was still too expensive then? Look forward to the updates John - what a special thing to do!

£100

Lucy Gribbin

Good luck John and Eamon!!! We are with you in spirit!!! From all at Tullygarran. Xxx

£100

Martin, John And Theresa

Good luck on your walk, a very good cause. Our cousin Frances Barrett tipped us off. 😃👍

£100

Roisin Donnelly

Fantastic work boys. Wishing you both all the best of Luck Roisin

£100

Anninger The Runner

£50

Ross White

Good luck John, just keep putting one foot infront of the other and you’ll be done in no time 😊

£50

Kieran Donnelly & Family

Best of luck Eamonn and John. I know Cancer Fund For Children will very much appreciate the efforts. Hope the blisters are kind to you!

£50

Brian Conway

Well done! What a great thing to do, enjoy the walk!

£50

Paul Donaghy

£50

Paul Donaghy

£50

Jas Dhami

Good luck John! What a great way of raising money for 2 great charities. See you soon for sure. Kindest regards, Jas Dhami

£50

Patricia Quinlin

Good luck to you, John & Eamon-such a great thing that you’re doing to help others!

£50

Frances Barrett - Your Big Sis

Behind you all the way John G …. In the van 👍 wishing you and Eamon every success Good luck

£50

Nicky

Fantastic thing to be doing, for really great causes … good luck to you both x

£50

Fujitec Uk Ltd

From all at Fujitec all the best for the event – Great Cause

£50

Anonymous

£50

Linda Daly

Good luck on your journey A very worthwhile cause

£50

Joe Skilton

Best of luck John. I hope it doesn’t rain on you too much. And it’s not too hot either!

£50

Synnova O'gorman

£50

Kim Griffin

Good luck John. I hope you and your friend have a pint of cold beer at the end of the long walk. Such good charities to be raising money for. 😃

£50

Steve Rolinson

Good luck John - wishing you all the best. A great challenge for a great cause!

£50

David Rowsell

John, Ever since you mentioned this awesome challenge all those months ago, I’ve been excited for you. Whilst raising money for some special charities. All the best!

£50

Alistair Stclair Smith

Can’t imagine the blisters… incredible challenge and what a pub crawl… best of luck John.

£50

Jess Barlow

Good luck John! Can’t wait to hear all about it!

£50

Simon Murray

That's a proper walk! Have fun

£50

Alan Wilson

The very best of luck John sure you will smash it.

£50

Spyros Demetriou

Best of luck John and great charities.. Most of all enjoy the experience.

£35

Wayne Stathakis

John - wishing you all the best on the walk.

£30

Michael & Christine Fegan

Good luck John! See you in Drumcullen!

£30

Catherine O’riordan

Great effort for two great charities John. Good luck to both you and Eamonn. You’ll have to walk to North London to see us after…. ! Love to all the family. Cathy xx

£30

Shaun Connolly

Good luck John

£25

Ruth Ship

Good luck John! Enjoy your adventure.

£25

Maeve Donnelly

£25

Anonymous

£25

The Lists X

Good luck to you both - we are looking forward to the updates.

£25

Thomas Morgan

£25

Carole Mcgrath

£25

Samual Cox

Good luck John

£25

Amy Barrett And Jack Mullan

Good Luck John and Eamon

£25

Amanda And Peter Pennick

What an incredible task… good luck to you both. Super charities!!! 🍀🤞

£25

Paul Miles

Good luck, great hospital. My son spent some time there in his early years, the staff were amazing.

£25

Tim Lane

Best of luck and happy birthday John! Amazing cause. Hope the feet don’t hurt too much. I’m sure Sam will be happy to massage them…

£25

Ciarán

Good luck!! 🍻🇮🇪🍀

£25

Diane And Gregory Daly

Wishing you good luck John as you embark on this challenge for such wonderful causes. Gregory and Diane Daly

£25

Gary Aboro

John good luck! a very worthy cause close to my heart.

£25

Cameron Serridge

£25

Justin Willison

'All the best on this epic adventure!'

£25

Laura & Rob Brereton

Good Luck!!!

£25

Steve Quarmby

Good luck! Experience of a lifetime.

£25

Andrew Jenkins

Good Luck John

£25

Paul Walsh

Sorry i could not do the Cambridge Bit. Would not make it in current state.

£25

Matt Crane

What a great challenge and all for amazing charities. I hope that you enjoy the walk!

£25

Martin Reilly

Good luck John

£25

Paul West

£25

Carl Saich

£25

Harry West

Hope the conditions are kind to you, Good luck John

£25

Tobin Graves

Good luck John!

£25

Joanne Byrne

Wishing you both the very best of luck in your challenge!

£25

Joe Bearman

Best of luck John!

£20

Gerard Lenehan

Fantastic journey for both lads and a wonderful gesture for the charities. Good luck on your trek.

£20

Roma G-m

What a journey and great cause - best of luck!

£20

Laura Nash

Best of luck! Two amazing charities- they will be grateful for every step!

£20

Anna & Malachy Mccann

Well done John - good luck with your endeavours

£20

Ilona Szram

All the best in your journey!

£20

Sam Homans

Good luck John 🍀🇮🇪

£20

Mark Terence Rance

£20

Dean Probert

Good luck John

£10

Lydia

Good luck, nice to meet you in The White Horse

£10

Ken And Lesley

£10

Scott Goacher

Good luck, God's speed!

£10

Judith Hegan

A fantastic challenge!

£10

Christian Oberreiter

£10

Wendy

Good luck, John - from Wendy

£10

Anonymous

£4

Gribkins

Day one done ✔️ 👏

£4

Gribkins

Day two too xxxx

£4

Gribkins

Day 3!