Every single person has been affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly. There are some amazing national charities that offer support and carry out valuable research. But what about the smaller charities making a real difference to those we care about?

Maggie’s provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends, following the ideas about cancer care originally laid out by Maggie Keswick Jencks.

She lived with advanced cancer for two years. During that time she created a blueprint for care around her belief that people should not “lose the joy of living in the fear of dying”.

The first Maggie’s Centre opened in Edinburgh in 1996 and since then Maggie’s has continued to grow, with 17 Centres built in the grounds of major NHS cancer hospitals in the UK.

They provide qualified experts offering emotional support and practical advice on areas such as eating well. There are also opportunities to meet other people and simply sit quietly with a cup of tea.

Maggie’s Centres’ programme of support has been shown to strengthen the physical and emotional wellbeing of people with cancer and their families and friends. The Department of Health has described our work as an example of best practice.

In November 2015 Georgia's mum, Rose, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily it was caught early and she had her first operation on 30th December. The results came back and showed there was a risk that it had spread. Rose had to decide for herself whether or not to have further surgery - which she did the following month. Then she underwent radiotherapy for a month, luckily avoiding the need for chemotherapy. 

It was a very quick and very frightening journey and Maggie’s Centre at Clatterbridge provided amazing support to Rose during this time. Cancer is difficult whatever the circumstances and it also throws up a whole unique set of mental challenges when you have personal experience of losing loved ones to it. 

When Ali’s friend died of cancer, she recognised how important small, local
charities are in maintaining the “joy of living” for as long as possible.

Georgia and Ali met via producing comedy events on the LGBT scene and shared a mutual respect of each other’s skills. They demonstrate drive and commitment in making things happen, and their organisational skills, attention to detail and love of fitness mean they are the perfect team for completing this 100k challenge!

Georgia and Ali are both intrigued and worried about the enormity of the challenge. They will be walking for up to 36 hours continuously. Your sponsorship money will make a real difference to people’s quality of life, and spur the walkers on!

And then there were three!! their mate Elaine Sturgess has also joined Team Ali.G, hurrah!!