Hi all

I’m taking part in this hike to support my friend Chris and her beautiful daughter Zina who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma before Christmas. Please take a few moments to read her story below and if you feel able donate to this great cause.

Thank you - Lesley

“This July, my Mum (Chris), Lesley and I (Team Primrose) will be taking part in Macmillan's Thames Path Mighty Hike. Currently approximately 3.5 million people are living with cancer in the UK today. No one ever expects to be diagnosed, certainly not myself at the age of 22.

In 2024, I graduated from the University of Sheffield and was ready to start my life, do some travelling with friends and start applying for masters courses. This all came to a grinding halt in November when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. As anyone else I was terrified, having to suddenly deal with things I'd never thought to have to deal with at 22 such as fertility preservation.

Thanks to Macmillan and also the incredible support of Teenage Cancer Trust (most importantly Julia my TYA cancer clinical nurse specialist) my treatment has been made so much easier and has provided my family with clarity and support. When I originally began through the process of being diagnosed, having been told I had a large mass in my lung, I rang the Macmillan nurse helpline for information. The support me and my family recieved within that hour was beyond expectations. The beautiful Macmillan Horizon Centre in Brighton provide essential medical, practical and emotional support.

I am expected to finish chemotherapy in May and am beyond excited to take part in this challenge! I'd be so grateful if you could help us reach our target. It’s Macmillan's goal to be there for everyone from the moment of diagnosis but they can't do this without donations from people like you.

Lots of love,

Zina

Thank you!

- Lesley, Chris and Zina ❤️