Our beutiful friend Gemma Epstein, 36, from Haslingden, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and underwent an operation to have a tumour removed.

But tumours were then found in her lungs and she underwent two courses of chemotherapy via a drip with neither of them working.

In the meantime the tumours began to grow and spread so Gemma was given a course of tablet chemotherapy, which she has now discovered has also not worked.

This devastating news means her only further options are expensive treatment, most likely abroad, costing in excess of £90,000. Gemma, will undergo no more chemotherapy as none of it has worked with medical professionals being unable to figure out why.

Gemma has had tissue samples sent to medics in Arizona to see if she is suitable for treatment there and another option is immunotherapy in Germany.

A group of 8 of Gemma’s friends have decided to walk the entire Rossendale Way, consisting of 41 miles, in just two days. We will begin the walk at 8am on Saturday 20th October. None of us are professional ramblers, nor are we in the best of shape, so we will need all of the support we can get along the way!!

Gemma is one of the most beautiful, genuine and kind hearted people that we know. She never complains and continues to be a loving, caring and suppotive person to all of her friends and her partner Ben. Please please please help us to give her the chance to get the essential treatment that she needs to fight this terrible disease!! Every single penny counts and Gemma, her partner and her family and friends will be eternally grateful for whatever help and support people can offer.

If you want to know more or can think of ways to help then please get in touch with:

Cassie Morris, Gareth Eatough, Rebecca Darkes, Brad White, Amii Whittaker, Paul Buckmaster, Paul Oates or Hannah Hughes.

Also, there are lots and lots of other fund raising events happening all over the valley, so please keep your eyes peeled!!

Thanks for reading xxxx