"The story so far..."

In October 2022 my wife, Debbie Williams, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Grade 3 Invasive Breast Cancer and has since been under the wonderful care of the Countess of Chester Hospital and Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

During the past 12 months, Debbie has endured 7 cycles of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, removal of lymph nodes and 15 sessions of radiotherapy. Following this, she is undergoing a further 14 cycles of chemotherapy, of which she has 5 treatments left. She is also undergoing physiotherapy to help regain the full movement of her arm and shoulder. We are hopeful that Debbie should complete her treatment by the end of April 2024.

"The Walk of the Rings"

I have been looking for a suitable way to pay thanks for the wonderful care that the Countess and Clatterbridge have given Debbie in curing her cancer, and stumbled across a virtual challenge, which involves completing the 650 mile journey that Frodo Baggins made from the Shire to Mordor. Debbie's favourite film franchise is the Lord of the Rings so I thought this was the perfect fit.

https://www.theconqueror.events/lotr/

"One does not simply get off the sofa and walk into Mordor"

The 650 mile challenge is broken up into 5 stages which are completed by tracking and compiling any walks, runs or cycling I partake in. My plan is to do the majority of this in the gym or by walking locally, but to add an extra challenge to it, I will complete the last part of each stage with a walk up a hill or mountain, namely The Great Orme in Llandudno, Dinas Bran in Llangollen, Panorama in Barmouth, Moel Famau in Flintshire and finally, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), which I expect to climb in the summer. Debbie is hoping to join in on the final part of each stage as and when she is up to it.

"The precious"

My goal is to raise money for, and to promote two charities, namely;

- The Breast Care Unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital (Fund number 9050)

- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

I would therefore kindly ask that any donations generously made are split equally between these two charities.