It was emotional at times. It was a huge challenge, painful at times - but It was a joy to meet so many wonderful people all helping to raise much needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

As a child I would enjoy some of my happiest times around Weymouth & Durdle Door and to walk the coast between these two locations for the first time in my life was something I really wanted to experience.

This area is very special to me. My grandparents married in Weymouth in the early 1900s, my late father was born near to Dorchester and now Dorset is my home. I also felt compelled to do this walk for Macmillan Cancer Support because of the events in my life.

In 1997 I suddenly lost my father. His cancer was vicious. I recall the torture he experienced and how he begged me to take him home from the Royal Marsden in London so he could just die at home. 

Just last April on a Friday afternoon in Salisbury a radiologist told me they'd found something nasty. A few days later I was told I had a tumour the size of a plumb on my right kidney. It had been caught early but the past experience of cancer tormented me everyday over the ensuing 7 weeks prior a partial nephrectomy when the tumour was removed. More issues ensued following the op with many months of discomfort and worry. A CT scan just a few days before Christmas last year indicated I was cancer free with no other signs of the disease, but that my kidney hadn’t recovered and further nuclear tests clarified that it was serving no purpose. In April my kidney was removed. The operation was more complicated than expected and the recovery has been rather protracted, but I’m pain free, more active than I’ve been for a long time and more appreciative for each and every day I have to enjoy life. I consider myself very lucky & I’ll be eternally grateful to all the medical staff who played a huge part in prolonging my life.

As with my late father’s situation many years ago there was another amazing team of people who played a significant role in my journey and made those early, difficult days of dealing with cancer easier. If you or anyone you know has had cancer you’ll be aware how the shock and fear of the situation can be overwhelming. Within a couple of days of my diagnosis I was being assisted by Macmillan Cancer Support. The most caring, considerate and compassionate advisor contacted me. We talked about my situation, my fears and my emotions. They listened. They supported me through my tears and advised me on how to prepare for what ensuing weeks and months ahead. It reminded me of how they helped my late father, and my mother and I when dad was told he had just weeks to live. They are remarkable people and a organisation that helps millions through their journey when dealing with everything cancer throws at us.

The hike was over 12 miles of steep inclines and breathtaking views along England’s first natural World Heritage Site - a place that holds so many of my most treasured memories as a child and in recent years with my children. It was tough and tricky at times but I was determined to complete the trek and at the same time help the people who helped me through the most difficult periods of my life. I know times are tough for all of us and many of us have suffered from charity fatigue but I really hope you can sponsor me and ultimately provide Macmillan with even greater funds so they can continue to help so many of us affected by cancer.

Thanks for reading my story and huge thanks if you're playing a special part in my fundraising and helping me feel even more proud of what I've achieved on one of the greatest days of my life.

C x