In March 2023, our world changed when our two-year-old granddaughter Mabel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).

Following two years of incredibly gruelling treatment, Mabel rang the bell at Kingston Hospital last November marking her triumph over this insidious disease.

Throughout her journey that has included numerous lumber punctures, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, losing her hair, and umpteen visits to both Kingston and Royal Marsden hospitals she has always tried to face each day with a smile. Ana Maria and I can’t begin to tell you our joy when we learned that she was clear of the disease. We love her to bits❤️

To honor her resilience and to say "thank you" to the charity that carried our family through the darkest times, we are embarking on a challenge of a lifetime.

On March 18th, we will begin a 4000km (3300 miles)trek from Rome to Gibraltar. We estimate this journey will take approximately six months during which we estimate we will walk some 4 Million Steps.

Although we are quite used to long distance walking this trek is by far our most difficult, daunting and mountainous challenge. The task has been made even more difficult due to a meniscus tear in my left knee that required surgery. Sadly I sustained another tear in the same knee and was advised against having another op. Instead I have been fitted with a rather large brace which I hope will ensure I can last the distance!……and by the way, did I mention I’m already 80 and Ana Maria is 77!

Our daughter Celine says that all we need do is “Be More Mabel”. This is going to be our mantra and one which we will intone every time we are exhausted or in pain.

If Mabel (now 5) can face two years of gruelling cancer treatment with a smile, we can find the strength to walk a mere 4000kms.

Our Goal: To raise £4,000 for Momentum Children’s Charity which has been by the family’s side since day one and which has helped to see us through our darkest days into a bright future for Mabel.

Thank you for being part of these 4 Million Steps for Mabel. Your generosity turns every mile into hope for another child.

With heartfelt thanks,

Robert and Ana Maria Gomez