Sue Farrell and Emily-Jane Scandrett (on the left), both diagnosed with mesothelioma, have successfully completed the Hallows 12 Parish Challenge. This was a marathon walk across the Worcestershire countryside, which included a steep climb and lots of rain and mud. They were supported by friends and colleagues from our Mesothelioma Support Group. They came to cheer them on and offer backup if needed.
The walk was also undertaken by Sophie Phillips, our region’s Mesothelioma UK nurse specialist, and Alida Coates, one of the lawyers on our panel of expert solicitors. Together they have raised more than £10,500 so far. It will be divided between Mesothelioma UK and ourselves. Thank you to you all who were involved!
Not just a marathon
Sue says, ‘We conquered not just a marathon, but an ULTRA MARATHON.’ An accidental deviation from the official route meant that the intrepid hikers covered 29.9 miles in just under 13 hours. Emily-Jane says, ‘It’s the hardest thing we have ever done!’ And this has been achieved by two people who are undergoing regular treatment for their illness.
Not just fundraising, but awareness raising
Sue and Emily-Jane were aiming to raise awareness, as well as funds to help find a cure for this disease.Most people are shockingly unaware of the risks posed by asbestos. It is in many homes, schools, hospitals and other buildings. They are also mostly unaware of mesothelioma, an incurable form of cancer which is caused by exposure to asbestos fibres in the air around us.
BBC Local Radio
Last month Sue and Emily-Jane were interviewed on Radio Hereford and Worcester. This month Emily-Jane was a guest of Kath Stanczyszyn on Radio WM. For the next nine days you can still hear her powerful interview, at about 10:13 into the programme, on https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0j3hq13. Or you can read all about it here on the BBC website. Her story also made it into several national and regional newspapers.