**Thanks to all the kindness and incredible donations, we have reached our £5k target! We have now upped it to £10k to see if can double our original number - which would be just incredible**

In August 2020, Jackie Shipster, Katya's mum and Kath's best friend, passed away from breast cancer. Within 6 months of Jackie's death, both Katya and Kath had also been diagnosed with breast cancer. 

It's been a profoundly humbling experience to be quickly embraced by the NHS in their efficient, kind, well-oiled human machine, even in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Despite this, we were both seen quickly, treated expertly and compassionately, and have positive ongoing prognoses as a result. 

We have now both come through our in-patient hospital treatment, and are starting to see a pathway to recovery as we embark on our next treatment phases, and tentatively a route to thriving rather than mere survival. 

A cancer diagnosis has been overwhelming, painful yet life-changing and affirming for both of us, especially so soon after losing someone so significant. Maggie's Centres became our haven for emotional support, alongside our dear family and friends, and are an integral element to the foundation of our longterm recovery from cancer. The West London Charing Cross centre's tranquility, and beautiful floriferous garden became a breathing space of reflection away from the busy hospital. The Royal Free's wonderful staff and varied excellent classes have been a compassionate anchor in turbulent seas. 

So in recognition of this extraordinary support, we are walking the Thames Path, 95km from Hampton Court, through London and past the Thames Barrier to fundraise for Maggie's. We will be walking this historic route in stages, both together and separately, and invite our friends and family to join us along any leg they choose as we walk through the city we both love. This open invitation applies to two stages in particular;

12th September - Vauxhall Bridge to Greenwich (South Bank), 15km meeting at 09.00am to set off by 09.30am. Meeting outside The Riverside Pub, next to Vauxhall Bridge. 

3rd October - Greenwich to Thames Barrier/ Woolwich (South Bank) 9km, meeting at 09.30 to set off by 10.00am. Meeting outside The Trafalgar pub.

Hope to see you on the banks of the Thames, in addition to donating what you can to support this special charity. 

Love, Kath and Katya

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