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20/09/2024 UPDATE

Today I attended the public launch of The Big Space Cancer Appeal.

You may have seen details about the launch on the news, social media and in the press yesterday but for those that don’t know it is a 17.5 million project to massively improve the facilities for cancer patients and their families in Gloucestershire (and beyond as Cheltenham is a Cancer Centre). Further details can be found here https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/charity/news-and-events/news/our-175m-big-space-cancer-appeal-launches-to-transform-cancer-care-in-gloucestershire/

As many of you know this is a cause very close to my heart and having attended the private launch of the event 2 years ago I have already raised £12,500 which is an incredible amount of money, but I’d like to do more – added to which I personally need a new challenge to work for!

So, my plan is to walk The Cotswold Way – all 102 miles of it – over a 7 day period in April 2025 (provisional dates Thursday 10th – Wednesday 16th).

I very much hope to have company on each of the legs where those taking part also fundraise in addition to me and therefore hopefully sweeling the total this challenge can raise.

Excited to have a new challenge to focus on and can think of no better cause.

01/02/2023 UPDATE This Year of Fundraising has become even more important to me as sadly I have now been diagnosed with cancer in my right lung. The treatment plan is being finalised but looks like surgery and chemo/radiotherapy are likely.  It was picked up quite by chance and I am totally asymptomatic and I am already really fit - both should help considerably in getting a positive outcome.  Devastated to have to put my family through it all again - they are of course being amazing. I intend to continue with the challenges wherever possible - they will also be a good focal point for me to aim for.

As many of you know having been diagnosed with breastcancer in 2015 I received and continue to receive the most excellent care, support and treatment from the medical team at Cheltenham – something I shall be ever grateful for.

With your help I have raised money in the past for ThirlestaineBreast Centre but now I want to support this appeal as know first-hand what a difference this will make.My diagnosis was life changing and has given me many a challenge along the way, but it also ensured I make the most of each day and thrive on pushing myself to reach what I once would have thought was beyond me.

I was honoured to be invited to attend the Private Launchof Cheltenham & Gloucester Hospitals Charity “The Big Space Cancer Appeal”.

They are looking to transform cancer care inGloucestershire by building state-of-the art treatment facilities in Cheltenham to create a Centre of Excellence in Gloucestershire.

Cancer care in Cheltenham is already second to none offeringworld class treatment from extraordinary staff but the facilities are woefully inadequate.This ambitious but achievable appeal sets to change that by building purpose-built facilities offering a calming and dignified environment.  Plenty of natural light will enable patients to feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Private areas, breakout rooms and an improved layout with a therapeutic garden will all help achieve this goal.

1 in 2 people in the UK will get cancer in their lifetime

Almost all of us (if not all) know someone whose life hasbeen touched by cancer

5000 local people will begin cancer treatment this year

Gloucestershire cancer services offer support to 1 millionpeople.  56,000 treatments sessions aregiven per year which is rising by 8% every year.

I was looking for a new challenge and have decided to do ayear of fundraising for this appeal where I will do a variety of challenges and events, some solo and some I hope others may join me.

The plan is evolving but here is my plan to date –

Sunday 2nd October 2022 – run the Virtual LondonMarathon

Sunday 4th March - A Winter Hash -an event for all speeds, follow the flour trail to find the route asking those taking part to pay a £5 entry fee

Saturday 13th May – 58km Jurassic CoastChallenge from Corfe Castle to Weymouth

Summer 2023 – organise a 5km, 10km and half marathon run(or walk) asking those that enter to pay a fee and maybe even get sponsorship.

October 2023 – Run to the Sea Ultra Marathon in Bournemouth

In addition to the above I hope to hold non sporty events –more to follow about those in due course.

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