What first inspired you to sign up for a Mighty Hike?
I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer in September 2024 – the day before I was setting off to the Lake District to do a charity challenge for Breast Cancer Now. The irony! I have since had a lumpectomy, 6 months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and I am now on long-term aromatase inhibitors.
Following my own treatment for breast cancer over the last year and a half, I needed something to focus on to get my fitness back and give me a goal to aim for. I have also signed up with a couple of the amazing ladies I met through BC and we are going to be walking this together.
What sort of support have you received from Macmillan?
The support from Macmillan has been simply incredible.
I used the Macmillan Wellbeing Centre at QEH Kings Lynn mainly just as my active treatment came to an end. I took advantage of the offer of an oncology-specialist personal trainer for 8 weeks to get my body going again and build up my confidence to start exercising again.
I signed up for the 6 week HOPE course which was fantastic, and then I did an 8 week Mindfulness programme as well. All of those things have been so beneficial to my recovery, just having the space to reflect on what had happened to me is so essential, and to meet other people facing similar feelings. I have made friends for life through the courses I attended.
How did you feel when you first decided to take on a Mighty Hike?
Although I am ‘a walker’, my body is a different body to the one I had two years ago, so the thought of walking 14 miles feels quite daunting (especially with the shingle element). But it has been a great boost to my motivation and I am now getting out every day to get some training in. It has reminded me why I love walking so much and given me new impetus to keep going. I am really looking forward to the day (and I have heard the food is great too!!)
I think it is going to be fantastic walking with some of the women I have met during my cancer journey – and so special that we have found friendships out of this. I know the atmosphere will be amazing and hopefully we might get some sunshine too for the beautiful North Norfolk coast!
Reaching the finish line will signify another step forward in my recovery, and let me know that my body, although more broken than it used to be, can still do amazing things.
What would you say to someone thinking about signing up for a Mighty Hike?
Absolutely go for it! There is such a supportive feel to everything involved with Macmillan and the Mighty Hikes – this is not something you will be doing alone, even if you are signing up on your own. And what a fantastic opportunity to see some of the UK’s most beautiful areas.
