Debi first met Rachel, in November 2023, on a walk with walking group ‘Bournemouth Walk Coffee and Cake,’ and instantly became friends. They found out that they share a lot of interests such as a love of walking, dogs playing an important part in their lives and being by the seaside in the sun, our happy place to contemplate, regroup our thoughts, chill and enjoy life.

Debi also learned the sad story of Rachel's daughter Gemma losing her brave battle to cancer in July 2023 at the age of 25.

Despite the devastation to their lives Rachel, and her husband Stuart, have amazing positivity and have continued to raise money for Gemma‘s chosen charity, Young Lives vs Cancer, who provided fantastic support to Gemma and family.

Richard and Debi have joined team ‘Gems Shining Lights,’ and will be walking part of the Jurassic Coast Challenge on 17th May 2025 to raise funds for Young Lives vs Cancer.

Our section of the walk is 34km (although other team members are walking 100km!) and we have been advised that we should do some training walks in advance. Richard plays golf and Debi does many dance classes so surely we must be fit ?!? Having now done two training walks on small sections of the route, we have realised that part of the coast is quite tough and there are some very challenging hills. See gallery.

Richard and Debi x

When a child is diagnosed with cancer life becomes full of fear, for them and their family. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. But every day 12 more children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer. We’ll face it all together – but we can’t do it without you.

To find out more visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk