In 2020, my mum Tracy, booked herself in for a standard eye test. During her test the optician spotted what he thought was a torn retina and sent her straight to our local hospital in Truro, where mum underwent scans and further tests. It was confirmed that there was definitely no tear, however she was booked in for an eye specialist appointment as there was something else going on in her eye.

After a trip to Liverpool hospital, it was confirmed that what the optician actually found was in fact melanoma. Mum was then admitted into hospital and the melanoma was treated with radiotherapy. The treatment was successful and mum was put into remission, however she was told she will need to have scans every 6 months to keep an eye on a potential spread.

It was a couple of years later when a scan showed some lumps in Mums liver, which were tested and we had the unfortunate news that the cancer had returned. Mum was then tested for an immunotherapy trial treatment, which she qualified for and she started the next course of treatment. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, nothing was working and the cancer started to take over mums body.

Mum actually had two visits to Mount Edgecumbe hospice, the first time she spent a few days enjoying a break away from the hospital visits etc, and speaking to the doctors on how best to manage her pain.

The second time was when we had the devastating news that there was nothing else that could be done and on the 24th of July 2023, she took her last breath, surrounded by her loved ones. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff at the hospice and we really felt like Mum was in the best possible place during her last days.

I can only describe the work the hospice do as amazing, the compassion and empathy they showed to my mum and my family was second to none and I would love to be able to give something back to them. It costs £603 for one patient to receive 24 hours worth of care!

That's why, I am combining my passion with a challenge... I’m determined to ride 100 miles on my pride and joy Jigsaw (my horse!) to raise as much money as possible for this spectacular cause.

Please donate to this wonderful charity if you can!

Alesha x