ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR SPRING 2023 my aim to hike the entire South West Coast Path (SWCP) was originally to commemorate my lovely Mum, Pam Smiddy, who lost her life to Pancreatic Cancer 30 years earlier, and to raise money for the cause.

HOWEVER, THE WIND WAS KNOCKED OUT OF OUR SAILS when, in a cruel twist of fate, my darling husband Richard Abbott was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer early that year.

Given a year to live after failed surgery, Richard continued with chemotherapy treatment, stayed amazingly positive and finished a stunning decking area in the garden, an amazing achievement. I was so in awe and incredibly proud of him.

We enjoyed a visit from his daughter's; Laura & Sarah, from overseas in April 2024, then a quiet week in Minorca in May, (where he even accompanied me on a three mile walk) before Pancreatic Cancer took his life away at the end of July.

It was Richard's wish that I continue as originally planned and complete this mammoth hike, not only to raise funds, but to RAISE AWARENESS.

Known as THE SILENT KILLER, Pancreatic Cancer can remain undiagnosed, with symptoms similar heartburn and indigestion wasting valuable treatment time. The location of the cancer in the pancreas can also dictate whether life saving surgery is possible, sadly Richard's cancer was wrapped around an artery making it unremovable.

SYMPTOMS - THE BIG 5

*. INDIGESTION

* TUMMY PAIN or BACK PAIN

* CHANGES TO YOUR 💩

* WEIGHT LOSS

* JAUNDICE

SEE A DOCTOR, ASK FOR A REFERRAL, GET A CT SCAN.

SWCP for Pancreatic Cancer.

630 miles. 14/04/25