Wimpy fan visits every UK site for cancer charity

Anthony Zupnik, from Leeds, has visited all 61 of the Wimpy restaurants in the UK

A fast food chain's “biggest fan” has completed a 61-restaurant tour of the UK to raise money for a cancer charity.

Anthony Zupnik, 36, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer aged 22, began his 2,400-mile (3,862km) tour of every Wimpy in the UK in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire on 1 July.

Mr Zupnik, from Leeds, has raised more than £6,500 for Teenage Cancer Trust over 31 days, travelling as far north as Fraserburgh in Scotland and visiting the southernmost Wimpy in Swanage, Dorset.

Reflecting on his unusual journey, he said: "The tour was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it's been a unique experience that I will treasure forever."

During the tour he decided to try everything on the menu, with Mr Zupnik regularly posting updates of his progress with videos on social media.

"The best bit has been getting the opportunity to meet the Wimpy owners and staff members, who have so warmly welcomed me and all their customers," Mr Zupnik said.

On average he visited two outlets a day, but only had a wrap or a side dish at some restaurants in order to keep the calorie count as low as possible.

"Knowing there was no real fruit and veg options, I had to take some supplements and extra fruit," he said.

Mr Zupnik’s wife Claire joined him at various points along the route

After reaching a £5,000 fundraising target, he carried out a promise to shave his head outside the Fraserburgh restaurant at the end of his journey.

“I'm happy with my new look and hope to continue to raise awareness for this very important cause,” he said.

Mr Zupnik said the charity had been a huge help after he was diagnosed with cancer, adding: “At my lowest points during and after treatment I really did find the support that I received from nurses and youth workers invaluable.

"I’m proud of what I’ve been able to achieve with this challenge.”

Mr Zupnik carried out his promise to shave his head if he reached a £5,000 target

Mr Zupnik’s life-long obsession with Wimpy began in childhood at a restaurant run by his late godmother Maria, in Worthing, West Sussex, he said.

He thanked his wife Claire, who joined him for the final meal of the tour in Scotland, and his IT software firm employer, which sponsored the trip.

The fast food chain is marking its 70th anniversary in 2024.

Wimpy: A history

• Wimpy opened in the UK in 1954 at Lyon's Corner House in London

• During the 1970s, it had more than 1,000 branches across 23 countries

• It became the first major fast food chain to offer a meat or fish-free burger in 1985

• In 2020 it added a vegan burger to its menu

• There are currently 61 branches in the UK

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