The following words are actually those of my sister but I didn’t feel I could say it any better myself.  In memory of a wonderful person and a sorely missed friend, thank you for any support you can give, Jan.xx…………

"Cancer is so far reaching, indiscriminate, and devastating in its nature that you don't need me to tell you how important it is that Cancer Research UK is able to continue its vital work.  I will however tell you why I have decided to participate in the Shine Walk for Cancer Research this September and why I’m asking for your support……

Not so many months ago, four girls stood in their glad rags at a party and whilst they were there to celebrate (which they did duly!) the night was touched with sadness as one of the friends disclosed that cancer had returned.  With tears in their eyes and lumps in their throats the other three vowed to support and fight with their friend every step of the way.  With sincerity one announced “I love you loads and I’ll do anything for you, but I’m not doing that bloody walk ever again!”.  (The walk that was being referred to was the Midnight Walk, a 10km walk that two of the group had taken part in earlier in 2010 – this is an important part to the tale!).

Now we need to fast forward three short months to January 2011, where three girls stood in their black and red outfits at the funeral of their treasured friend.  With tears in their eyes and lumps in their throats they discussed the desire to do something.  It was to much surprise that the Shine Walk, a 26.2 mile walk at night, was suggested by the very same girl who had previously said “never again” to a walk of less than a quarter of the distance! 

It is testament to how much we love and miss our wonderful friend, Nadia Shaw, that Joanne Taal, Jan Cunningham, and Lauren Cunningham have signed up to walk a marathon, around Glasgow, at night, on 10th September 2011.  It is a huge personal, physical and emotional challenge for us and I hope you can support us to raise as much money as possible in the memory of a truly special person that will forever shine brightly in our hearts.”

It's Jan here again......I have another good friend who was going through chemo and radiotherapy at a very similar time to Nadia.  Unlike Nadia she was able to fight the cancer off for which I am so incredibly grateful.  But we all need the benefit of further research so that our friends, our family, ourselves maybe one day, have the best chance of fighting any diagnoses of cancer.  Thank you again for any support that you can provide.  Jan.xx.