Be inspired
Everyone has their own reason for walking, here Jessica and Rachel Hollings share their story...
"Rachel and I took part to celebrate our recovery from breast cancer. Different people take part for different reasons - so many people know someone who has had, is going through, or who has died from breast cancer. In June 1999 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and on 9 June 2006 my daughter, Rachel, was also diagnosed with breast cancer, so on the 9 June 2007 it seemed appropriate for us to take part in the 10 mile Breast Cancer Ribbon Walk to celebrate our recovery.
It was in January of this year that Rachel encouraged me to join her; she was still recovering from the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy but in a positive frame of mind she hoped she would be fit and well to do a 10 mile walk. I was not quite so sure if I had the energy, but we both enrolled and at that point the 9 June seemed a long way off! We immediately received brochures and information about fundraising – we had to pledge to raise a minimum of £250 each – also lots of advice about getting fit and into training. All this seemed a bit daunting but I was determined to try and get myself a bit fitter. We both set up a Just Giving web page which people could log on to with their donations – and we have both been surprised and overwhelmed with the generous support from friends, relations and colleagues.
Finally the day dawned - there was immediately a great atmosphere in and around the marquees and a sea of bright pink T-shirts against the backdrop of Blenheim Palace. It was quite emotional as we set off, waving goodbye to our supporters. Many people were walking in memory of those who had lost the fight against breast cancer; some, like us, to give thanks for their recovery, and all of us to raise money for those still needing care and support in the future. People along the way waved and wished us well and the volunteers and support team from Breast Cancer Care were tremendous and the organisation great. At the seven mile rest stop we were both beginning to flag and ache a bit – but three more miles did not seem too bad. The last mile, however, was the longest we have ever walked I think, we just kept telling ourselves to put one foot in front of the other. We would not let down all those people who had sponsored us for such a good cause. It was the most exhilarating feeling to arrive at the finish, we were striding out at this point, a great feeling of elation, achievement and pride. To date Rachel has raised over £2,000, and I am up to £800, which is far more than we ever thought we would raise for this excellent cause.
I wasn’t sure how to ask people for sponsorship money, whether I should forward my justgiving.com webpage to everyone I know, or just keep my ask to close family and friends. I decided it was a personal choice to sponsor me and so sent an email to just about everyone I know. I was overwhelmed by the generosity and support I received – both from people I have known for more than 20 years through to work colleagues I may only have contact with once or twice a month. It just proves if you don’t ask, no-one can help.
I am planning on joining the Ben Nevis climb in 2008 in celebration of my 40th birthday and am hopeful of raising more than the £2,000 I have been lucky enough to donate this year to Breast Cancer Care.
It was a wonderful day and one we will always remember. For me personally it was a great joy to walk with my daughter, Rachel, and think back to the way she coped with her breast cancer with such an up-beat, positive attitude, which enabled her, only a year on, to take part and achieve this 10 mile walk."
We would like to thank Jessica and Rachel Hollings for sharing their story with us.
