Julia

My wife Sonia’s sister, Julia Dixon, died of cancer in October 2012 at the age of 61 years. Those who knew her will always remember Julia as a generously spirited lady with a great sense of humour and a genuine interest in others. She was vivacious, warm-hearted and lit up every room. She oozed confidence and was an absolute social butterfly! For over 15 years Julia worked as a listening volunteer for the Samaritans and helped hundreds of people dealing with a crisis in their lives. She was a wonderful mother to her two children and the life soulmate of her husband and our dear brother-in-law Malcolm.

Julia’s tragedy might have been prevented. After she was diagnosed with bowel cancer, she underwent an operation in early 2012 at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford to remove part of the bowel. The team of doctors were convinced they had removed all the cancerous cells and did not offer any post-operative tests or care. Six months later Julia was rushed back to hospital, where tests showed the cancer had returned and spread. The hospital offered no chemotherapy, and basically the message was it was too late. Not wanting to accept this awful fate, Sonia researched and found out that in Germany, a new kind of proton therapy was available, which might have saved Julia. I was working in Munich at the time, and I called the clinic there. They were eager to help and wanted to examine Julia’s medical records and scans. Alas, before we could get the required documents over to Germany, Julia passed away.

We were all terribly moved by the cruel circumstances in which Julia’s life came to an end and – along with Malcolm – we all still grieve her loss. I dedicate this charity walk to Julia, who – had she survived – would have become my sister-in-law, when Sonia and I got married in 2016.

The Charity

Lingen Davies is Shropshire’s main charity for cancer support. The charity exists to enhance and improve the situation for local cancer patients in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid Wales. The charity was launched in 1979 by the then mayor of Shrewsbury, Bernard Lingen and local accountant Frank Davies, whose initial aim was to equip a new radiotherapy department at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Since then, the charity has helped over 100,000 people suffering from cancer with improved treatment and care.

The Sunflower Appeal

Lingen Davies has now launched its biggest appeal to date. The Sunflower Appeal is aiming to raise £5million. This will fund a new Chemotherapy Centre in Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital – the very place where Julia died. The goal is to open this centre by 2029. This will double the capacity for cancer treatment across our region, meaning patients can access the treatment they need more easily and quickly. It will literally save thousands of lives!

One Donation – Twice the Impact

With any charity fundraising appeal, every donation helps – however small or large. With government funding of the NHS constantly in jeopardy, it has become the role of charities like Lingen Davies to step in and help. The Telford & Wrekin Council have now pledged up to £250,000 of match funding to the Sunflower Appeal, for all donations between now and the end of June 2026. So right now, it is an excellent time to donate, as your contribution will be doubled.

The Hiking Challenge

Ever since I took up walking, six years ago, the Shropshire Way has been one of the most inspiring trails for me and a major focus of my activities. This is a 200-mile trail around our county, divided into two loops, which meet in Shrewsbury.

For this charity walk, I propose to walk the entire northern loop of the Shropshire Way. According to the official guidebook, it is 72-miles long. I expect to make up the additional three miles, with a couple of minor sightseeing detours, to reach my goal of 75 miles (120km).

I’m planning to begin the walk on Saturday 27th June at 5:00am from the official starting point of the Shropshire Way at the Kingsland Bridge in Shrewsbury. I will then walk the loop in an anticlockwise direction. It will take me to some of the most attractive places that northern Shropshire has to offer including Haughmond Abbey, Grinshill, Wem, the meres of Ellesmere, the Montgomery Canal, the Welsh border town Llanymanech, returning then along the River Vyrnwy, over Nescliffe and culminating in a final stretch along the River Severn back to the starting point in Shrewsbury. I hope to finish on Sunday 28th June no later than 5:00pm.

75 Miles – 36 Hours – No Sleep

This will be the longest walk I have ever attempted.

The Shifnal Rambler

In the last four years I have won many followers for my Facebook page: The Shifnal Rambler, where I regularly post photographs and stories from my walks. Please do check it out and follow me if you’re interested. During the charity walk, I will post occasional updates showing my progress on Facebook.

I hope many will support me in accomplishing this challenge. Every donation will motivate me to keep on walking! All proceeds will go directly to the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal. Thanks in advance for your support!

Günther

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