A Journey of Love and Promise: Walking 5,000 Miles from London to Ghana
In an extraordinary testament to love and commitment, a man from Essex has embarked on a monumental 5,000-mile journey to fulfill a promise made to his late fiancée. Daniel Forrester, 48, is walking from London to Kumasi, Ghana, to spread the ashes of Caroline, his fiancée who died from cancer in November 2024. This epic trek, which began on November 6, 2025, aims to honor Caroline's final wish to "go home" while raising funds for the hospice that cared for her.
The Promise That Started It All
Daniel and Caroline met in 2023 after matching on a dating app, quickly forming a deep bond that led to an engagement in 2024. Caroline had previously overcome cancer in 2021, but the disease returned in 2024 alongside a brain tumor that caused vision loss. Despite her struggles, Daniel described her as "always a Superwoman" who protected those around her even during her most difficult moments.
"Three weeks before she died, I said I'd want to take you home, but I want to do it by walking you there," Daniel recalled. "She said 'you would do that for me?' then gave me a big smile. That was all I needed to carry out this journey."
Challenges Along the Way
The journey has been anything but easy. Daniel originally planned to start walking on September 20, 2025—what would have been their wedding day—but began instead on November 6, exactly one year after Caroline entered hospice care. He has faced numerous obstacles including storms, floods, and visa complications as he traveled through Europe and Africa.
"Ninety per cent of this journey has been torture, physically and mentally," Daniel admitted. "If I was thinking of this journey myself, I would have quit by now."
Despite these challenges, Daniel reached Morocco after walking 1,473 miles from London to Motril, Costa Tropical in 96 days. However, adverse weather conditions in Morocco forced him to temporarily return to London, a setback he describes as "just a bump in the road as Caroline would say."
Fundraising and Awareness
Throughout his journey, Daniel has been documenting his progress on his Facebook page 'The Carovan of Love' while raising money for St Francis Hospice, which provided Caroline with care during her final days. The hospice played a crucial role in her comfort, and Daniel's fundraising efforts aim to support their important work.
Well-wishers have flooded Daniel with encouragement, with one supporter noting: "You have achieved so much, and will continue to achieve, perhaps Caroline had planned this for you to have a rest, recharge and reset for the next chapter of your amazing achievement."
The Road Ahead
Despite the temporary interruption, Daniel remains determined to complete his promise. He plans to return to Tangiers within weeks to continue his journey to Ghana. "If I make it to Ghana, I will feel an immense sense of relief," he said. "To be able to achieve my promise to Caroline would make me feel very pleased and emotional."
Daniel's journey represents more than just a physical challenge—it's a moving tribute to love, resilience, and the power of keeping promises. As he continues toward Ghana, he carries not only Caroline's ashes but also her spirit, inspiring others with what he calls "the Caroline effect."
