The woman who was tackling a 630-mile hike around the South-West Coastal Path to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer has been forced to call a temporary halt to her journey.
Clair Abbott said she had no choice but to break off her challenge after completing 120 miles through Somerset and North Devon when her faithful springer dog Brodie who was accompanying her broke his leg and needed immediate veterinary attention.
But she has vowed to resume her trek and stride out through Cornwall at some time in the future.
And she has said a big thank you to the 84 people who sponsored her and enabled to raise £2,752 or 91 per cent of her online fundraising target.
Clair, from Cynwyd, Corwen, started her challenge last month and was determined to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, which will go towards vital research into early diagnosis and treatment, as well as providing support for those affected by the disease, which claimed the lives of her husband Richard last year and also that of her mother.
Despite having to endure heavy rain and blisters on her feet, she made it through two counties and got as far as Morwenstow in North Cornwall when disaster struck.
She said: “The plan was to carry on with the hike in Cornwall, from Bude. Unfortunately, I seemed to be under a bad luck cloud as Brodie broke his front right leg.
“He needs complete crate rest for six to seven weeks with x-rays and further preventative surgery on his other leg which has the same condition.
“Springers can have a predisposition to a condition known as humeral intracondylar fissure. A CT scan showed a fissure in his other leg.”
Clair added: “The path with always be there. I intend to keep fit while Brodie rests and hopefully I’ll get the chance to do the Cornwall section at some time in the future.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported me.”
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.”
* For more information or to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, please visit www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/fundraise
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