On Saturday 31st May 2014, I will be walking 26 miles along the Bridgwater to Taunton canal, in memory of my wonderful mother-in-law Shirley Davey.

Shirley died in October 2012 from melanoma, and spent her last few days being cared for by the fantastic doctors and nurses at St Margaret's Hospice in Taunton.

Most people think that melanoma is just skin cancer and cannot spread beyond the skin. They are wrong. In 2007 Shirley had an itchy mole removed from her back, which was confirmed as melanoma. She had check ups for the next couple of years, and life carried on as normal. However in Easter 2012, after having mini-stroke type symptoms, the doctors gave her the devastating news that the melanoma had spread to her brain, liver and lung.

She remained so positive during her treatment and never gave up hope that a new treatment or cure would be found. I can still see her now, even in her weakening condition, struggling to walk down the path and into our house, but without fail always greeting me with a big smile and hug. I will never forget her and how hard she fought to stay with us. If you are worried about a mole or lump on your skin, please get it checked with your doctor.

All the money I raise will be donated to St Margaret's Hospice who looked after Shirley with so much care and compassion during her final days. Their work is invaluable. Please give whatever you can so that St Margaret's can help another family.

Shirley herself always loved a good walk, and to be quite honest she could always walk further and faster than me! I know that she would also be very humbled to think that I was doing the walk in memory of her. I'm sure she would have been one of my loudest supporters at the finish line!

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