On Friday 28th March, the Southern team from Field & Lawn will be swapping their steelies for hiking boots and taking on the South Wales 3 Peaks Challenge! We will be fundraising for the Macmillan Cancer Support having been inspired by Jenna’s story.

Jenna is the amazing daughter of our Electrical & Installation Supervisor Karl & his wife Karen. 6 weeks after her 13th birthday in October 2024, Jenna’s life took an unexpected turn. She found a lump on her collarbone, the size of a 10p coin. She showed her mum Karen, who took her to the doctors. They initially dismissed the lump as viral – but Karen trusted her mother’s instincts and pushed for further tests. Within the week, their worst fears were confirmed: The C-word, Jenna had stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. Karen and Karl now had to break the news to Jenna’s four older brothers and wider family.

Jenna was completely asymptomatic apart from the lump. No fatigue, no night sweats, no weight loss - she was a happy, healthy, horse-loving teenager who spent most afternoons riding her pony. Despite the shock, Jenna faced her diagnosis head-on, beginning six months of intensive chemotherapy at the Macmillan Centre in London.

Through it all, Jenna has been a true warrior. She lost her hair in Cycle 2, but that didn’t stop her. With her wig (donated by the Princesses Trust), fake tan, eyelashes, full face of makeup and nails done, she carried on with life as normally as possible – going into school the days she was able to and even going straight from chemo to ride her pony! She has inspired everyone around her with her courage, resilience, and determination to keep going, no matter what. She really is a superhero!

The Macmillan nurses have been incredible. They’ve treated Jenna with kindness, respect, and compassion, giving her the space to take control of her own treatment and making sure she feels empowered every step of the way. Thanks to their support, what once felt impossible is now within reach - Jenna is nearing the end of her treatment, with her final cycle scheduled for this month.

To give back and support the amazing work Macmillan does for young cancer patients, Field and Lawn are taking on the South Wales Three Peaks Challenge. Every step we climb is in honour of Jenna and other young warriors like her who face cancer with unbreakable strength.

The South Wales 3 Peaks Challenge is different to other “3 Peaks” challenges as it is a complete loop with no breaks to drive to a different mountain. The route is 34km long and takes us up Blorenge, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid, totalling 5000ft of elevation! The hike should take around 10 hours, starting at 8am in Abergavenny and returning back there not too long after dark (hopefully!).

I believe the group will not be offended when I say we are of mixed abilities and experience! If the weather is good, this will be a very tough hiking challenge for us all. And if it is bad… We need your help. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help Macmillan continue providing the life-saving care and support that families like Jenna’s rely on – in their words “We will forever be grateful for all their help and support in saving our sassy, sweet, caring, beautiful girl.”

Please donate today and help us make a difference!