In October this year I am trekking across Cambodia to Angkor Wat for Cancer Research UK. An incredible challenge for an incredible charity. 

My son Keith was diagnosed with an aggressive Head and Neck cancer in December 2018 and he underwent gruelling treatment from January to May 2019 to treat it. 

Unfortunately, in July last year, we discovered his cancer had returned and is now incurable. However, research into a new blood test, financed by CRUK, meant his Cancer recurrence was caught early, and investment into new treatments means he now lives on Pembrolizumab Immunotherapy. 

His treatment is working brilliantly and his Doctor's have gone from giving him the heartbreaking news he might only have 3 - 18 months, to now discussing how they'll manage his treatment when he comes off Immunotherapy next year. He currently has no evidence of disease which is incredible. 

I am trekking across Cambodia, over 8 challenging days, to give back to this wonderful charity, to ensure more people are cured of this awful disease, and that more families experience the joy and relief that we had when Keith was given the all clear, or simply that there are new treatments available. 

Cancer treatments would not be advancing without the incredible work of CRUK, who have a centre of excellence in Edinburgh. Keith's team of Dr's all lead research for this charity so supporting them means a lot. 

This challenge is a little different as I'd planned to walk the Great Wall of China in October 2020, and unfortunately it had to be cancelled thanks to Covid. However, I'm beyond excited about this experience in Vietnam... with only weeks of training left to go! 

Thanks to my age and also my rheumatoid arthritis I have no doubt it will be a challenge but I am excited to rise to it.

If you can donate anything you can, from pennies to sharing on your Facebook page, or joining me on a training walk, I’d be hugely grateful.

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 for the charity.

Thank you, Maureen x