Last March, Mavis joined hundreds of people taking on one of our walking virtual challenge in support of those living with lung cancer. Or in Mavis’s case, people just like her.

“I decided to take on Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation’s challenge because this charity has supported me during this difficult period of my life.

“I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021. It was an incredible shock as I have never smoked. This is something I really want people to understand – if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer. It is not exclusive to people who have smoked.

“My lung cancer is incurable but thanks to medical advances, it is treatable. I am on a targeted therapy which I take every day and I believe this, along with my positive attitude to life, is what has kept me alive.

“The Roy Castle staff have really helped me since my diagnosis. I joined one of its online support sessions, which put me in touch with other people who are living with this disease. We meet via Zoom and chat on WhatsApp. It brings me great comfort to know there is always a voice at the end of the phone who will lift my spirits if I need them.

It’s a really lovely feeling knowing the money I raise will ensure that others like me (who are living with lung cancer) will receive the same support.

“As well as walking in support of the charity, I am also doing the challenge in memory of one of my support group members who passed away. She loved penguins so I have adopted her penguin as a mascot to spur me on.

“I know this challenge is not going to be easy. I lack energy and quickly become exhausted as a result of the medication I take. That’s why I’m planning on recruiting family and friends to help me reach the target. I am sure that, cumulatively, we’ll walk 30 miles… or maybe even more!

“So thank you to everyone. Thank you for all the miles we will walk together through life and I look forward to the many more miles to share.”