Mr Smith, of Gore, walked as part of the McBain Clan who went on to raise $6000 for the Cancer Society.
Mr Smith had another reason to walk - his son Robert died from cancer at age 24 and his brother died aged 60 - but said there were always people worse off than him.
‘‘I spoke to a woman at the relay who said in one week she found out that three women she knew were all diagnosed with breast cancer and they were all in their 20s,'' he said.
The relay was held at Invercargill's Rugby Park where participants walked around an oval track and earned money for every kilometre walked.
‘‘Some people gave me a dollar for each kilometre I walked.
‘‘There had to be at least one team member walking at all times, even during the night.''
Mr Smith said his group went to Rugby Park early on the Saturday and put a tent up for those needing a sleep and refreshments.
He said he did some night walking but did not sleep.
After walking the 32km, Mr Smith said he felt ‘‘as good as gold'' the next day.
‘‘I had a sore toenail but I went home, had a shower and a quick lie down and I was up in time for tea.''
