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Walking in Love: Honouring My Mother Through the September Challenge

Tuesday 29th Sep

When I took on this challenge, I carried one name in my heart, my Mom, Isabella Dawson. Seventeen years have passed since we said goodbye to Ma after her battle with lymphoma cancer. It was the day our anchor slipped from our hands, and we began a journey none of us were ready for, a journey without her physical presence, but never without her love.

As a family, we held tightly to everything Ma taught us. For me, that meant continuing Ma’s legacy, a legacy woven from love, service, forgiveness, protection, family, and an immense devotion to God. Ma had four children, a husband she adored, grandchildren and great‑grandchildren she cherished, but her love never stopped there.

Our home was a place where doors were always open. People came to be supported, comforted, fed, prayed for, and loved. The house was never empty, it was alive, warm, and beautiful.

This September challenge is my way of honouring that legacy. Every kilometre I walk is a reflection of the foundation Ma built in me. A foundation of love so strong that it continues to guide my steps today. It is with that same love that I am able to raise funds for a cause that means so much to me.

 

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity stands beside people and families facing one of life’s hardest battles. Their work is extraordinary, compassionate, and deeply human. They help ensure that patients receive world‑leading cancer care, and they support families through every stage of the journey.

Their work includes:

• Supporting families emotionally and practically, offering counselling, guidance, and compassionate care during the most difficult moments.
• Funding pioneering research that leads to earlier diagnosis, personalised treatment, and new hope for future generations.
• Providing specialist staff and equipment that make world‑class treatment possible.
• Creating spaces of comfort and dignity, where patients and families feel held, supported, and never alone.

It is love, that has brought this charity to where it is today, enabling them to support so many people with strength, compassion, and hope.

 

If you feel moved to support this cause, you can donate here: https://fundraise.royalmarsden.org/fundraisers/leverndawson/nationwide-walk50k

 

My journey through September has honoured not only my beautiful Ma, but also our family and friends who have been affected by cancer. It is a difficult road, one that demands courage, faith, and resilience. With every step, I carry them in my prayers. With every kilometre, I send love to those who need it most.

To everyone who has taken the time to read this, thank you. To everyone who has donated, your kindness will make a difference in so many lives. May you be blessed abundantly.

I love you all.

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Day 20 of my Nationwide Walk 50K for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Sunday 20th Sep

Day 20 of my Nationwide Walk 50K for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity took me through the sweeping greenery and calm waters of Roundhay Park in Leeds. Sunlit steps, wide lawns, quiet lakesides, and tree‑lined paths shaped today’s journey — a blend of peaceful movement and gentle reflection. Even the simple joy of sharing food afterwards felt like part of the day’s gratitude.

Today’s walk — 9,734 steps, 94 active minutes, 6.72 km — was not just a scenic afternoon outdoors. It was another intentional stride toward hope.

Every step in this challenge supports the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, whose work transforms lives every single day. They provide world‑leading cancer treatment, compassionate support, and pioneering research for people diagnosed with cancer and for families navigating fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak. Their care ensures that no one faces their cancer journey alone — they walk beside patients with expertise, dignity, and humanity.

So each kilometre today carried meaning. Each step honoured someone fighting. Each moment supported families who need strength. Each stride helped fund care that saves and extends lives.

If you feel moved to support this incredible cause, you can donate here: https://fundraise.royalmarsden.org/fundraisers/leverndawson/nationwide-walk50k

Your kindness truly makes a difference.

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Day 19 of my Nationwide Walk 50K for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Sunday 20th Sep

Day 19 of my Nationwide Walk 50K for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity took me through peaceful ponds, winding paths, historic grounds, and wide open countryside. The landscapes were calm and restorative — water reflecting the sky, trees leaning gently over the paths, and the quiet dignity of Temple Newsam standing watch over the grounds.

Today’s walk — 6,714 steps, 68 active minutes, 4.68 km — wasn’t just a beautiful afternoon outdoors. It was another deliberate offering of hope.

Every kilometre I walk supports the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, whose work changes lives every single day. They provide world‑leading cancer treatment, compassionate support, and pioneering research for people diagnosed with cancer and for families navigating the fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak that often comes with it. Their care ensures that no one faces their cancer journey alone — they walk beside patients with expertise, dignity, and humanity.

So each step today carried meaning. Each step honoured someone fighting. Each step supported families who need strength. Each step helped fund care that saves and extends lives.

If you feel moved to support this incredible cause, you can donate here: https://fundraise.royalmarsden.org/fundraisers/leverndawson/nationwide-walk50k

Your kindness truly makes a difference.

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Day 9 Of My Nationwide Walk 50K For The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Sunday 20th Sep

A lunchtime stroll with my son through our local nature walk became another meaningful moment in my Nationwide Walk 50K challenge for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The path curved through quiet greenery and open fields, the kind of gentle landscape that invites you to slow down and breathe. We shared a smile along the way — a simple, joyful pause in the middle of the day.

But every step we took carried a deeper purpose.

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity supports people facing one of life’s most difficult journeys. Their work brings world‑leading treatment, compassionate care, and pioneering research to patients and families affected by cancer. They help ensure that no one walks their cancer journey alone — offering hope, strength, and cutting‑edge innovation when it matters most.

Today’s walk — 2,979 steps, 32 active minutes, 2.14 km — becomes part of that mission. A small act of solidarity. A quiet offering of love. A reminder that even the simplest stroll can help carry someone else through a far harder path.

Every step counts. Every step supports hope. Every step honours those who need strength today.

If you feel moved to support this cause, you can donate here: https://fundraise.royalmarsden.org/fundraisers/leverndawson/nationwide-walk50k

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Day 8 Of My Nationwide Walk 50K For The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Tuesday 8th Sep Share

Day 8 Of My Nationwide Walk 50K For The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Tuesday 8th Sep Share

Day 8 Of My Nationwide Walk 50K For The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Tuesday 8th Sep A chilly evening walk through Goldenacre Park after a rainy Leeds afternoon — but the sun broke through just long enough for me to get my steps in. The peaceful paths, the bright flowers, and the kind smiles along the way made the whole walk feel like a blessing. Walking with purpose, gratitude, and hope. #Walk50K #RoyalMarsdenCancerCharity #GoldenacrePark Share

Day 4 To 7 of my Nationwide Walk 50K for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Monday 7th Sep Share

Day 3 of my Nationwide Walk 50K for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Thursday 3rd Sep Share

Day 2 of my Nationwide Walk 50K for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Wednesday 2nd Sep Share

Day 1 - Nationwide Walk 50K in September 26

Tuesday 1st Sep Share