On May 22nd 2024, my sister, Tess, and I are going to walk 30 miles along the South West Coast Path from Exmouth to Lyme Regis.

This date will mark exactly 15 years since my cancer diagnosis at the age of 21.

Never on that day could I have imagined I’d be here now, healthy and happily married, with two beautiful children.

I was at the end of 4 years of study when I found a lump in my neck. On May 22nd 2009, after nearly 5 months of trying to get a diagnosis, I was told I had thyroid cancer.

The 18 months that followed were filled with SO MANY hospital appointments. 2 x operations, 1 x dose of radioactive iodine in isolation, scans, injections, diets, blood tests, medications. I had the best support from my amazing parents, siblings and friends.

In 2011 I was lucky enough to get the all clear. I’ve now also finished my 10 years in remission, so finally feel out the other side and able to mark it.

So I need a challenge! Because I am here and I can. Maybe this doesn’t sound like much of a challenge?! Here are the stats:

🚶‍♀️30+ miles (that's more than a marathon!)

⛰️6500ft ascent and 6500ft descent

⏲️15.5 hours of continuous walking (at least)

🏥I had a hernia repair in Feb so am also recovering from that!

❓Why this walk❓

Exmouth is near our home in Exeter, where we enjoy many happy beach days and evenings. Lyme Regis also has a special place in my heart. On the day of my diagnosis, my brother, Giles, took me to Lyme Regis. We sat on the Cobb and looked out to sea. I’m not sure we said much, but he knew the beach was my happy place.

May 22nd is also my late brother in law, Simon’s, birthday. Cancer took him from us far too soon, nearly 10 years ago.

So if you feel you’d like to sponsor me and Tess for our expedition, we’ll be raising money for Hospiscare, whose incredible nurses supported him and all of us at the end of his life.

Or if you fancy joining us for a leg of the walk, or meeting us en route with water and supplies, we’d love to see you!

🤞 for ☀️

Thank you,

Anna & Tess xx

A bit more about Hospiscare...

If you live in Exeter, Mid or East Devon, Hospiscare is your local adult hospice charity. Should you or a loved one need care for any type of terminal illness, our professional team of doctors and nurses are here to help. Our services are provided irrespective of race, religion, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, diagnosis or place of national origin.