From First Steps to Walking in Footprints Past

“We're all travelling through time together, every day of our lives. All we can do is our best to relish this remarkable ride.”

That quote, and the scene from About Time where a dad and son go for one last walk together, always brought me to tears.

It was nine years before my own dad was diagnosed with cancer — and before we had our own last walk together.

That walk represented such precious time, and I was lucky enough to realise how precious it was while I was living it. It’s a tradition I now carry forward as I walk with my own sons every weekend.

On Sunday 13th September, I’ll be walking the Royal Marsden Big Trek, alongside my dad’s spirit and my beautiful mum-in-law’s.

Four years on from their deaths from cancer in 2022, walking 40km in my 40th birthday year feels symbolic.

My dad and mum-in-law were both wonderful people who shaped my husband and me into the people we are today. Losing them just weeks apart changed our family forever. But so much of what they gave us remains — in the memories we carry, the things they taught us and, for me, in the simple act of walking.

Why The Royal Marsden?

The Royal Marsden became a particularly important part of our family's story.

My dad received some of his best care there, and the hospital was a place where expertise, treatment and compassion made a real difference to our family during an incredibly difficult time.

It also has a special geographical connection to our family. The Sutton site sits close to my family home in Banstead, while the Chelsea site is close to my husband’s family home. The trek itself will take me past places connected to my family and the footprints of my dad that remain there.

So this isn't simply a 40km walk.

It is a walk through memories, places, time and love — while hopefully doing something positive for other families who are facing cancer today.

Help me turn the miles into something meaningful

I’m hoping this trek will raise funds to support The Royal Marsden and the vital work it does for people affected by cancer.

For families going through cancer, the journey can be frightening and uncertain. The care, expertise, research and support provided by organisations like The Royal Marsden can make an enormous difference at a time when families need it most.

If you’re able to donate, I’d be incredibly grateful.

Whether it’s £5, £10 or more, every contribution becomes part of something bigger. And if donating isn't possible, sharing this page is another simple way to help me reach more people.

And this is a two part journey…

Celebrating two loved parents the 40km trek is the beginning of a two-part challenge.

I’m hoping to build on the miles I walk in September and return in April to run the same distance at the Brighton Marathon, continuing the fundraising in memory of Dad and my mum-in-law.

So if you support me now, I hope you’ll come back and join me again in April — whether that's with a donation, a cheer, or simply following the journey.

Walk with me in spirit

My dad loved to walk. We walked together many times, and some of the route I’ll be taking on Sunday is a route we shared.

So if you can't be there with me physically, I invite you to take your own spirit walk wherever you are.

Walk for someone you love. Walk for someone you miss. Walk to make space for your thoughts. Or simply walk and relish the remarkable ride we are all lucky enough to be on.

I’ll carry your footsteps with me too.

Every donation, every share and every step will help turn a personal journey into something that can hopefully help another family.

Love you, Dad. Love you, Mum (in-law).

And Dad, you’ll be right beside me, every step of the way. ❤️