Pink Ribbon Walk 'really does help' says woman who did 20 miles in memory of mum
A charity is calling on outdoor lovers to step forward for people affected by breast cancer by completing a 10 or 20-mile Pink Ribbon Walk at Blenheim Palace.
Jemma Redman from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, took part in the walk last year, in memory of her mum, Angela.
Jemma said: “My beautiful mum found a large lump on her right breast in March 2020. As Covid-19 had just hit, she had to go to hospital by herself. It was a horrible time.
"She had a biopsy and some scans, and a month later, she was told she had stage 3, triple negative breast cancer.
“Due to the pandemic, mum couldn’t have chemotherapy, so she went straight for surgery in April. Mum had her breast and all 36 lymph nodes removed, which all had cancer in them.
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"Unfortunately, by June, the cancer had spread to the skin where her breast was removed. It also started spreading to her back and other areas.
"In July, my mum could start chemotherapy, but by August, she had developed sepsis and sadly passed away on August 11, 2020.
"It was tough to go through that as a family - I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”
Jemma continued: “I did the 20-mile walk. At each stop there were snacks, drinks and people to cheer you on. Both the build up at the start and the finish line had a great atmosphere.
“Pink Ribbon Walk was an amazing, emotional experience. Seeing everyone come together to raise awareness and fundraise for Breast Cancer Now really does mentally help. I’d recommend it to anyone.
"Think of all those people being diagnosed, going through treatment - you could be helping even just one person.
"I think that really gives you the push and strength to do it.”
Taking place in two locations in May and July, the Pink Ribbon Walks have raised more than £14.5million for world-class breast cancer research and support since its first walkers crossed the finish line in 2005.
Claire Pulford, Associate Director, Community and Events at Breast Cancer Now, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to once again be inviting everyone to put their best foot forward and get sponsored to join us for one of our Pink Ribbon Walks at Blenheim.
"I want to say a huge heartfelt thank you to Jemma for taking part in the iconic walk last year, and continuing to raise awareness of breast cancer. We simply could not do what we do without people like Jemma.
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“Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the words 'you have breast cancer'. Money raised from Pink Ribbon Walk events will help us to provide support for today and hope for the future.
“It’s a chance to come together with friends, family, your four-legged companion or to walk solo, making a real difference."
The Pink Ribbon Walk at Blenheim Palace takes place on May 13. Find out more and register today at http://www.breastcancernow.org/ribbonwalk
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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris
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