Story
My beautiful wife, Sara Jane Whatley, was unexpectedly diagnosed with incredibly rare and complex forms of advanced ovarian cancer at the pre-term birth of our baby daughter, Ailsa Matilda Whatley.
The cancerous tumours are germ cell, immature teratoma and yolk sac and individually only account for a tiny percentage of female cancers, but combined together are so rare that she needed to be referred to a world specialist at Charing Cross Hospital.
The work done by Ward 6 South at Charing Cross Hospital is phenomenal and inspirational and they are striving to save and extend countless lives through their research support, treatment and dedicated care.
We have already been moved to personally donate a new baby changing unit for the oncology wards, in honour of Ailsa and friends and family are raising funds for research and treatment at the hospital too, but I wanted to personally contribute to the fundraising.
I have therefore decided to combine three things close to our hearts - cancer care; the environment; and the Norfolk countryside - to raise funds and generate sponsorship.
I plan to walk the length of the Norfolk coastal path, collecting litter as I go, throughout a full week this summer. I shall walk 10-20 miles per day, stopping only to record the spectacular views, clear rubbish from my path and return to sleep with and care for my wife and daughter each night.
Imperial Health Charity helps our hospitals do more through grants, arts, volunteering and fundraising. We fund major redevelopments, clinical research and medical equipment as well as helping patients and their families at times of extreme financial difficulty. We raise funds to support the five hospitals of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust: Charing Cross, Hammersmith, Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea, St Mary and Western Eye hospitals.
Please kindly support the cause by donating, by making contributions, by sponsoring me per mile walked, by sponsoring me per kilo of litter gathered or by sponsoring me to complete the whole project.
Thanks so much... With strength, support and hope we can beat this horrible situation and help to save lives in the future.
Niven Whatley