This weekend, five local friends will lace up their boots and set off along the Dales Way Trail, the 86-mile hike from Ilkley to Bowness in Cumbria, to support two charities.
What began as an idea to challenge themselves and spend quality time together, quickly became a mission for Carole, Sarah, Nicola, Nargas and Gemma to raise money for two incredible cancer charities: Knitted Knockers UK and Yorkshire Cancer Research.
They set off from Ilkley Old Bridge at 10am on Sunday, 17 May, and welcome anyone who would like to join them on the first part of the walk to Burnsall.
As two of the friends explain, this walk means so much more than miles on the trail, it marks a deeply personal journey through breast cancer, survival, and strength.
Carole shares:
“Today someone will be diagnosed with breast cancer, lots of love to anyone going through treatment or a diagnosis right now – you’ve got this! I was diagnosed in April 2024 and everything felt like a whirlwind – facing a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It really tested my physical and emotional limits but also revealed a resilience I didn’t know I had. Thankfully, my cancer was caught in time and the wonderful moment I was told it was gone will stay with me forever. The Dales Way won’t just be a physical achievement, it will be a declaration – a way to show how far I’ve come and how strong I am.”
Sarah adds:
"Cancer seems to touch almost everyone these days and has deeply affected my own family. My mum sadly passed away from cancer in 2023, just days after I was diagnosed with hormone-negative breast cancer — and my sister has also faced her own battle with the disease. We’ve since completed treatment and are both cancer-free. Exercise played a huge part in helping me stay strong through treatment and recovery, both physically and mentally. So when Carole suggested a fundraising walk, I was instantly on board. If we can contribute to vital research and support through fundraising, that means a great deal to me.”
Together, with three special friends by their side, the pair say this walk is their way of honouring those journeys, celebrating survival, and giving back to the organisations that help so many.
Knitted Knockers UK provide handmade knitted and crocheted breast prostheses to women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Yorkshire Cancer Research funds vital research and services to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, improving outcomes for people across Yorkshire and beyond.
The five are asking for your support to help us raise funds for these two charities = every donation, big or small, will help make a difference to those affected by cancer today and in the future.
The five have almost reached their £5,000 target, but are hoping to raises even more on their way. Their Whitakers Chocolates sponsored clothing includes a QR code for donations, which can also be made via www.givewheel.com/fundraising/10941/5-friends-walking-for-hope-strength-a-cancer-free-/
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