Banbury councillor with cancer reaches halfway stage of his Walk of Life
A Banbury councillor who has cancer has reached the halfway point of his ‘Walk of Life’ challenge to raise money for community projects.
Paul Austin-Sargent, the county councillor for Grimsbury and Castle, has described his 88-mile walk along the Jurassic Way as his “last hurrah”.
The Banbury councillor set off from Stamford, Lincolnshire, on Saturday, September 19, and aims to arrive in Banbury town centre on Wednesday, September 30.
He has split the walk into nine sections so he can return to Oxfordshire for his councillor duties during the challenge.
Speaking about the long-distance walk, Cllr Austin-Sargent said: “This is probably my last hurrah before this awful cancer finishes me off.
“That is why I am organising the Walk of Life — a sponsored walk to raise funds for local community improvement projects across the Banbury Grimsbury and Castle electoral division.”
Earlier this year, Mr Austin-Sargent was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Following months in hospital, he was unable to walk unaided.
However, with support from the Brodey Cancer Centre at Horton General Hospital, he is now able to take on the long-distance walk.
Facing an uncertain future, he has chosen to use one of his remaining personal challenges to raise money for the community he was elected to serve.
The councillor is asking supporters to donate through an online fundraising page, with money going towards projects supporting people in need across the Grimsbury and Castle areas.
Cllr Austin-Sargent said: “I made many commitments when I was elected in 2025, and I fully intend to keep them. From local play equipment, to park benches, living walls, improved public realm, interpretation boards and many, many additional trees. I’m also walking for the Brodey Cancer Centre, Banbury.”
Providing an update on the challenge, Cllr Austin-Sargent said: “I’ve now completed the first part of my Walk of Life. Banbury Guardian readers have been very generous.
“The going on the second day was very tiring, and I was beginning to wonder if I had taken on too big a challenge. Back to Oxfordshire today to attend a Planning and Regulation Committee at County Hall, before heading back to Rockingham and stage three of the walk.”
Cllr Austin-Sargent is also inviting Banbury residents to join him for the final leg of his walk.
Those wishing to join him are asked to meet opposite the Red Lion pub in Middleton Cheney (OX17 2PB) at 9am, or at the Dick Smith footbridge (OX17 2FD) over the River Cherwell at 10.30am.
Alternatively, people can join Cllr Austin-Sargent at the Mill Arts Centre in Banbury town centre at 11am to mark the completion of his walk.
Cllr Austin-Sargent added: “The Walk of Life is my way of doing something practical and positive with the little time I have left. I want to raise as much money as possible, and — frankly — enjoy a good walk with good people.
“Everyone is welcome to join in on a stage or two or, most importantly, the final stage: residents, friends, family, fellow councillors, and anyone who simply wants to show their support.”
To donate to Cllr Austin-Sargent’s fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paul-austin-sargent