A few years ago a ‘Book Club’ was created, just a bunch of mums, who knew each other but didn’t ‘know’ each other. Fast forward and we are now firm close friends so in late 2024 when cancer rocked Beckie’s life again (in several ways) she asked them if they’d want to join her in a physical challenge and was so touched when they said yes!

Hiking are: Alessia, Beckie, Helen, Michaela and Sri. But we know Helen D and Sally will be cheering us on!

Here’s our individual stories of why we are going to hike 26.2 miles in July.

Beckie:

Cancer was something that happened to someone else until my dad collapsed 2 days after my wedding in 2010. Three rounds of treatment later he’s, thankfully, all clear. However 2024 bought more cancer to our family, as well as a cancer scare for one of my close friends. This year that family member has been so unbelievably brave, am in complete awe of him. But sadly two of my closest friends are now experiencing it in their family.

Macmillan were there for my dad and I want to give something back as well as walk for all the people in my life who inspire me every day to be a bit braver - you know who you are x

Helen:

I am doing the Macmillan Mighty Hike for Kate.

Kate was my person. She taught me what it truly meant to be a good friend. We shared everything from all night Kerrang watching sessions to a love of Moomins. She was Joe’s second mum and someone I trusted with my life.

Since losing Kate to a very short battle with bowel cancer in January 2008, there has not been a single day where she hasn't been on my mind. I often think about how we should be creeping toward 50 together, both appalled by the prospect, but doing it in style and with the type of obscure humour that only she could bring.

Alessia:

Back in 2022, I did a cancer research walk with the names of three incredible people who were going through cancer treatment. Heartbreakingly, only one of them is still with us today. Since then cancer has continued to take far too much—including Daniela’s beloved daughter Amy, who passed just a few weeks after her mum. When Beckie asked if I wanted to join the Macmillan Cancer marathon walk this July, I didn’t hesitate, despite swearing off walking events after the Jurassic Coast nearly finished me off! I can't wait to walk alongside these strong, inspirational, women to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, who do incredible work for people affected by cancer.

Sri:

Cancer has claimed people in my life. I don’t know a single person not affected by cancer. Sometimes it feels bleak, when you think about this with all the horrible stuff happening in the world. So when my friend Beckie asked about doing this hike, I said yes, even though I have never done a marathon before. I am proud to do this Marathon Hike with the wonderful women of my book club, because in a world where it’s easy to feel nothing can change for the better, we are raising money to help fight cancer and walking for hope and light

More stories to follow.

There are currently 3 million people living with cancer in the UK today. 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.