Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.Fundraising is hugely important to Macmillan. Without people doing events, running marathons, climbing mountains, and donating in all the other ways that you can, Macmillan wouldn’t exist.

Let me tell you my personal story why I'm fundraising for Macmillan.

Cancer has been present in my life since I was a very little girl. My beloved grandmother died from it when I was only 4 years old. I still remember long train journeys that we use to make to visit her. Time spent in hospital made me wish to help. So I was sure one day I will be a doctor to cure those people behind many doors of grey never-ending hospital corridors.

Little did I know that people's faces can also turn grey, almost black from suffering and sorrow. I will never forget that dreadful telegram that turned off all the light from my mother's face. And one would say what could a 4 year old understand. But even if so, I felt the pain of my mother's heartbreak.I still can feel it even now while sharing my story with you.

After that, cancer visited my life and lives of my dear one's many times. In different shapes it has taken away many. My best friend's mother died when I was nine. I loved her as she would be my own family. Later my godfather, a very special and cheerful guy, died when I was 12.  

My best friend's mother died when we were in highschool. By that time I had figured out, cancer is something that happens to older people. And it's a normal way of dying. O boy, how wrong was I!

The youthful feeling of immortality and being untouchable was gone at the funeral of my friend who was the brightest mind I knew. He was great in sport and science, studying in two different universities at the same time, and only 19 years old. There was no common sense in that. My head couldn't comprehend. And heart was bleeding seeing the suffering that cancer had caused.

Couple years back my dear uncle passed away after a long and agonizing battle. A death of a brother once again took the colour out of my mother's eyes. It seems as no one gets to escape. Last year I had to say goodbye to a very special friend who was a true inspiration for so many of us. Rita is the name you see in my profile. But that's not it.

During the hike I will be holding space in memory of many. And since I know my story is just a drop in the ocean of many battles, I would like to share the pain lifting it from your shoulders. If you could relate to my story, and would like to support me by donating for Macmillan cancer charity, please, please, please, don't leave the comment block empty. In return to your support I'm offering to include your special person for who you would like me to hold space in my daily meditations in Nepal. Please, write her/his name in comments. I promise there are plenty spaces for everyone to join me for this adventure. And I will love knowing that I'm not walking the walk alone as no one ever should.  

    And if you are still reading I will tell you what happened with my childhood dream. I didn't become a doctor. Instead I studied psychology, somatic movement practices and yoga as well as nutrition. So now I'm combining it all into my holistic wellbeing practice where I support people through lifestyle changes. My mission is to help people recognise their own resources and power to take charge of their health and happiness. As you might have heard before: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

If you would like to know more about what I'm doing, please, check norameldere.com or write to me on info@norameldere.com.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs.