Dear all,

We bring you the opportunity to sponsor our walk to add weight to the gratitude we share for our local charity CancerWise which supported us both in coping with the impact of cancer.

Ana’s Story

My world was about to be turned upside down in an afternoon while chatting with a childhood friend over a coffee. Is that a lump I feel in my breast? I ask myself.

Over one year on from my breast cancer diagnosis, and having to make seemingly impossible surgical decisions about my body, I would like to offer a little something back to a small local charity in Chichester that provided my family and I immeasurable comfort and support throughout my treatment and recovery.

CancerWise offered me complementary therapies which helped me to feel grounded. At a time when all you want to do is escape your thoughts and the terrifying feeling that this nasty desease casts on you, it is so vitally important to take time out to explore therapies which connect body and mind. To take a more holistic approach with what is otherwise a very surgical and medicalised outcome.

CancerWise complimentary therapies made me feel more relaxed and present, in coming to terms with the physical and emotional effects of my treatment.

A year after being diagnosed, here I am, fundraising with my friend Charlie, who has her own story to tell.

We are full of energy and ready to walk the Surrey Three Peaks Challenge, a 23 miles (37 km) hike, with an ascent of the three highest hills in Surrey: Leith Hill, Holmbury Hill, and Box Hill (1060 meters).

The funds raised will go directly to our nominated charity CancerWise to help support others affected by cancer and their families.

Charlie’s Story

CancerWise has been a massive source of support for my family over an incredibly difficult time.

My husband, Tom was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in his mid 40s when our children were 12 and 9. We knew from the start it was incurable.

As the treatments became more aggressive we needed more support and this was when I came across CancerWise. They provided us with psychological support and alternative therapies, as well as kindness and friendship at a time when our life was falling apart.

It’s a unique organisation providing as one of its many services support for children whose parents are affected by cancer. As a parent knowing that this support and help is in place is invaluable. The complementary therapies helped Tom relax when life kept throwing bad news at him.

I cannot overstate how grateful I am to the team for all the help over the last few years and hope to raise some funds so they can support other families like ours.

Thank you all for being so generous!

Charlie & Ana