In 2025, we will embarking on one of the toughest challenges - a 6 day trek in Vietnam*

The statistics of one in two of us having cancer at some point in our lives is a very sobering thought. Cancer touches all of us, whether it be personal, family, friends or work colleagues.

In April 2020, myself (Lisa) and my brother Mal were both diagnosed with lung cancer within the same week! I had lobectomy surgery then 3 months of chemotherapy. Mal's treatment included radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, all at Velindre. Whilst every day I count my blessings and am eternally grateful to the amazing medical team at Llandough Hospital, The Heath and Velindre for saving my life. Heartbreakingly, my cool dude brother Mal lost his long battle in January of this year. Losing Mal has just been devastating. 💔

Marion said " I've committed to the Patagonia Trek to show support to Lisa, one of my very best friends who had to go through her diagnosis twice and gruelling treatment, all through covid, but Velindre were there for her every step of the way."

We are also doing this challenge in memory of family and friends we have lost to cancer, and to support those that have also had a cancer diagnosis and are going through treatment.

Having experienced the wonderful and crucial work of Velindre first hand, we are now more determined and focussed to raise as much as possible.

This will be a tough challenge, there will be steep climbs and descents and trails. Mia and Carys have an advantage over us two old birds but we will try our best to keep up! :)

We are contributing to our fundraising too, to raise as much as possible the charity. Please, please support us and donate as much or as little as you can, every penny will go a long way in supporting all of the incredible work that Velindre Cancer Care provides everyday to its patients and their families.

Thank you so much for your support

Love, Lisa, Mia, Carys and Marion xx

*The Patagonia 2025 trek has been postponed and an alternative challenge to Vietnam has been put in place.

This has happened due to the inflation in Argentina and the spiralling costs.

As a charity Velindre needed to consider how they spend money wisely. Once they knew the costs of Patagonia were going to rise considerably, they had to think of all contingencies to ensure they maintained their values of ethical fundraising. Values they are confident we all share, therefore made the decision to change the challenge destination’