Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in September last year, less than a month after I turned twenty-two. It has made me think about what I will leave behind – and what good I will send ahead.

When my health is at its worst my universe shrinks, so I am always grateful when it expands again and I can take an interest in others. Shortly after my diagnosis my dad suggested I walk to raise money for charity. After three rounds of chemo and several months off treatment, my health is worsening and I will soon need more treatment. It feels like the right moment for this long-planned walk!

I love walking, although my experience of it has changed. An oxygen device sometimes helps me to walk further than I otherwise could. I have a very stylish walking stick (named Gerald) who occasionally gets outings. I remember surprising my doctor with my first independent walk down a hospital corridor.

I always found it difficult choosing between charities so am planning three walks in places of special significance for three dear causes (watch this space!).

My first walk will be in the town where I was born and spent many summers and weekends growing up. I hope that my grandmother will join me for part of it, as I intend to walk along a favourite spot of my grandfather’s: a stretch lined by silver birches over-looking a lake. He passed away from liver cancer. She herself has leukaemia and quietly demonstrates what sheer willpower can daily achieve.

I will be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Their posters tell us that “You are not alone” – and it has proven true. On the day of my diagnosis a Macmillan nurse was on-hand for emotional support. During treatment I stocked up on leaflets on how to cope with fatigue and eating problems. I am supporting Macmillan in the hope that no one is ever alone in their fight.

Now for the small-print…

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