On the 23rd of May 2024 I am starting my walk of the River Wye, from the source (in Llanidloes) to the mouth in Chepstow. It is a 140 mile route (not all downhill I hasten to add!) that I will be aiming to complete in 7 days. Camping each night along the way and carrying with me all of my provisions.

Our brave friend Vickie is currently taking medication for an incredibly rare type of incurable cancer. Having emigrated some years ago, she now lives in New Zealand with her husband, Ryan, and young daughter, Ruby. Unfortunately, in New Zealand, the drug she needs is not currently funded and comes at a cost to her and Ryan of around $5000 (almost £2500) every 6 weeks.

Vickie’s story;

Vickie was accidentally diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in 2021 when being treated for a suspected appendicitis. She was found to have four malignant tumours on her heart. Following this diagnosis, and despite several months of immunotherapy, the tumours continued to grow and a fifth appeared within her heart muscle later that year.

Towards the end of 2021, Vickie began a new treatment of Dabrafenib and Trametinib. Although these come with some unpleasant side effects, they have successfully halted growth of the tumours and caused significant shrinkage, effectively keeping Vickie alive. Unfortunately, a heart transplant has been ruled out by doctors both here in the UK and in New Zealand as heart transplants are not given to cancer patients, so these drugs are currently her only treatment option.

It is a constant struggle and worry for Vickie, to find the funds for her treatment. It is impossible to self-fund this amount and so she relies on the help of her family, friends and a lot of fundraising. Vickie is an incredibly brave and inspirational woman, wife and mother, who refuses to let cancer destroy her life. She remains positive and lives her life to the fullest, sailing, podcasting and developing her career.

I have decided to take on this challenge to raise awareness of Vickie’s condition and raise money to help fund her ongoing medication costs. All proceeds raised by me, will be spent on Vickie’s treatment to help her continue to enjoy precious time with her family and friends. I am funding all of the costs of the trip myself.

If anyone would like to join me for a leg of the walk, it would be great to see you for some moral support! Please give what you can and thank you so much for supporting Vickie’s cause.

The route,

Day 1 Thursday 23rd

From the source in Llanidloes to Rhayader (21.5 miles)

Day 2 Friday 24th

From Rhayader to Alltmawr (19.5 miles)

Day 3 Saturday 25th

From Alltmawr to Hay-on-Wye (18.5 miles)

Day 4 Sunday 26th

From Hay-on-Wye to Sugwas pool (19.5 miles)

Day 5 BH Monday 27th

From Sugwas Pool to Brockhampton (18.5 miles)

Day 6 Tuesday 28th

From Brockhapton to Symonds Yat (22 miles)

Day 7 Wednesday 29th

From Symonds Yat to Chepstow Castle (21 miles)