The woman currently tackling a 630-mile hike around the South-West
Coastal Footpath to help tackle pancreatic cancer has sent an update on her
progress to llanblogger.
And it includes the great news that she now has donations totalling £2,500.
Clair Abbott from Cynwyd, Corwen started her challenge earlier this month and is determined to raise much needed funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, which will go towards vital research into early diagnosis and treatment, as well as support for those affected by the disease which claimed the lives of her husband Richard last year and also that of her mother.
Clair
said: “I think this could make a huge difference. I originally planned to
complete this challenge in 2023, in memory of my mum on the 30th anniversary of
her passing. But in a cruel twist of fate my darling husband Richard was
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early that year.
“Before
he passed away in July 2024 he told me it was his wish that I continue as
originally planned and complete this mammoth hike, not only to raise funds but
to raise awareness.”
In
the update on her walk, sent on Thursday, she says: “I'm having a rest day at Hartland Quay in Devon, which is on
South West Coast Path, after two 11 mile days. The next stage to Bude is a
tough 15 miles so I'm halving it by staying in The Bush pub garden on Friday
night!
“So, the first week started stormy. Fortunately, my daughter,
Livvie King, was with me at the start. We returned after day one to discover a
fellow camper's awning had blown away causing two small tears in my fly-sheet.
Fortunately we had some tape.
“We then discovered my dog Brodie, who is walking with me,
had injured a paw so Livvie took him to the vets in Minehead while I hiked on. The
upshot is that he needs to stay off it till it heals - he's gone back with my
daughter. This was good really as he was shivering in the tent, it's too cold
at night still, we had to buy him a thermal onesie!
“I've developed blisters, inevitably, even though my boots
are over a year old.
“Did I mention the rain? Anyhow, week two has started much better, the sun is shining, I'm hiking solo and staying positive. Turned a corner at Hartland Point and headed south to Cornwall.
"I've been so overwhelmed by kind and generous donations so far, raised over £2,500 its completely blown me away. Some days like today (blister pain) it's the only thing that is keeping me going, and Id like to express my gratitude."
Pancreatic
cancer is the deadliest common cancer in the UK, with more than half of people
with the disease dying within just three months of diagnosis. Survival rates
for pancreatic cancer have barely improved in 50 years – in stark contrast to
the welcome progress made in outcomes for many other types of cancer.
Sue
Collins, Director of Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “The funds
raised by Clair will help us offer support to patients and families, invest in
vital research to help us see the breakthroughs we urgently need, and be a
voice for everyone affected by the deadliest common cancer.”
*If you
would like to support Clair, you can do so at: justgiving.com/page/clair-abbott-2
For more information or to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, please visit www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/fundraise
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