Our Story so far ...

Ilona:

Just over 8 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had almost a year of treatment. Beginning with a mastectomy then chemo and finally radiation. My Macmillan Breast Care Nurse was extremely helpful and reassuring during this very challenging and stressful time and is still available now should I need help or advice. After my treatment had finished I started the Macmillan Move More program, which was very helpful in helping me get fit again. I still go to the gym and have a Macmillan membership.

I am very fortunate to be alive and enjoying life very much. I have had a massive amount of love and support from my family and friends and still do. I would love to raise money to give back to this charity that has helped me so much .

In December 2024 my husband, David was diagnosed with bowel cancer, which was a huge shock to both of us. In January 2025 David was operated on and all of his cancer was removed. Thankfully chemotherapy was not necessary. David is currently receiving complimentary therapy treatment from MacMillan and has also started going to the MacMillan classes at the gym.

The MacMillan centre at the Ulster hospital has been upgraded, a great improvement to the patient experience.

Yet again we are very grateful for the support of MacMillan and will continue with our fundraising efforts by making marmalade , jam and chutney.

Catherine:

I'm walking to raise money as the charity helps those needing information and support at what is a very worrying and stressful time. Friends have benefited and I will enjoy supporting the team. (And I love freddo frog🐸 chocs.)

Catherine is our inspiration to call ourselves 'Team Freddo Frog'. We did our first Mighty Hike in September 2021, the Ullswater MH, and as some will know, there are sections that are challenging to say the least. Catherine had stocked up on Freddos at the last pitstop, and they were what kept us going up the subsequent 'gentle incline'! More like 5 miles of up hill slog! She has also very artily dressed our team mascots which we carry with us.

Julia

In June I will be joining my sisters and a friend for our 26 miles - Lois, Ilona and Catherine. We cannot wait!!! We are raising money for Macmillan as the work they do has personally benefitted two of our team and we want others to receive the invaluable care this special organisation provides.

Words cannot say how happy we were to be able to undertake the Lake District Mighty Hike in 2021,Rob Roy Walk in 2023, the Northumberland Coast Mighty Hike in 2024 and now the Lake District Mighty Hike again on 14th June 2025.

'Not only are they my sisters but they are also two of my very best friends and I cannot imagine life without them' says Julia.

Please join us in supporting other families through the wonderful work of Macmillan.

Lois:

I will be sporting a green t shirt again and raising funds for Macmillan, a charity that means a lot to me. When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, Macmillan offered support at a very difficult and scary time, and when my sister underwent treatment for breast cancer in 2017 she received invaluable help and support from her local Macmillan nurse. I would like to raise funds so that others can benefit as I and my loved ones have.

Lydia

this is Lydia's first time joining the team, but she has already been supporting us in the background as our driver on many occasions, and coming up with novel ideas for fundraising.

Sarah

is also a new member of the team, Ilona is her auntie and motivator to join with us to raise money for Macmillan. Hopefully she will write a little update soon.

We have pledged to raise £250 each and would appreciate any support in reaching this. We will each be fundraising in our own way, but it all adds up to supporting a worthy cause. Julia bakes, does gardening, gives out advice (which is excellent!), Catherine makes gorgeous tablet, holds her bric-a-brac stalls, Lois sells eggs from her back garden hens, and Lydia makes up blind date with a book packages.

We all acknowledge that these are financially tough times, and we greatly appreciate any and all sponsorship given to us.

By fundraising our pledge, we could pay for a Macmillan Support Worker for 8 days who could provide emotional, practical and financial advice to someone affected by cancer. 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.

We will all be starting our training soon, and will update with photos and information on how we are getting on.

Thank you for reading our story

Ilona, Lois, Julia, Catherine, Lydia and Sarah