I wanted to do this because Bobby needs all the help he can get - man's epic walk from Brighton to Blackpool
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Kass said: “I wanted to fundraise for Bobby because he is going to need all the help he can get going forward, the impact this has had on the family is immense.”
A devoted best friend took on a month-long challenge walking from Brighton to Blackpool Tower for a cause close to his heart - and raised more than £5,000.
Andreas Tzannes-Kastritis (also known as Kass) desperately want to do something for his old pal’s five-year-old grandson who has been diagnosed with MPS III, also known as Sanfilippo Syndrome.
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Bobby Parkin from Great Eccleston was diagnosed with the rare neurodegenerative condition in 2024, following a visit to the speech therapy team after a delay in his speech development.
Kass was best friends with Bobby’s beloved grandad and reconnected with Sophie Lowe, Bobby’s mum, not long after the devastating passing of her father in March 2026.
After reconnecting and learning about the child’s condition, he knew he wanted to do something to help.
Kass said: “I wanted to fundraise for Bobby because he is going to need all the help he can get going forward, the impact this has had on the family is immense.
Kass and Sophie set up a fundraiser on JustGiving with an initial target of £5,000 to create precious memories with Bobby, give him experiences, comfort and opportunities to enjoy the life he has.
The challenge took almost a month for Kass to complete, with him setting off from Brighton on September 28 and reaching Blackpool on October 23.
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It was no easy feat, as en-route, the bike mechanic was forced to come to a stop for a few days due to severe blisters requiring medical attention. But after some rest and recovery, he continued the challenge.
Upon reaching Blackpool Kass, 65, said: “It was tough at times but I have known this family since 1992, I just love them and I did it out of the love of my heart. I wouldn’t take away any step.
“None of it was planned to a degree, there was no training. We just got our heads together one day. I had all the gear and no idea really but that changed along the journey as I picked up different things. I lost a few things as I was carrying too much!
“It has been a learning process. But that little boy and his family, I would do it all again tomorrow if I had to.”
The fundraiser reached a grand total of £5,747 before Kass was greeted at the finishing line by Elite Competitions with a £5,000 cheque, almost doubling the amount and bringing the fundraiser to £10,747.
Bobby’s mum, Sophie Lowe, 35, said: “It has been a very tough year for the family and Kass just explored the idea of doing something positive, to raise money for Bobby and before we knew it, he was setting off.
“We were worried about it coming up to winter and him staying in a tent and being faced with the elements.
“I am truly grateful for Kass. Up until last night, we received donations from 182 people. It is incredibly kind that strangers have supported a family that they don’t know.”
Alex Beckett, CEO of Elite Competitions, said: “What Kass has done for Bobby is incredible.
“When we heard about what Kass was doing, we knew we wanted to do something to help. Hopefully the £5,000 donation will make a real difference for Bobby and give the family the opportunity to make precious memories together.
“Kass should be extremely proud of what he has achieved.”