Three North Dorset women are preparing to tackle a 20-mile stretch of the Dorset coast to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity.
Kate Hoare, 54, and Emma Chandler, 57, both from Sturminster Newton, and Lisa House, 55, from Buckhorn Weston, will take on the challenge on 5th July. The route includes regular stiff climbs of up to 191 metres and sections rated ‘hard’ by the walking app Strava.
‘The idea started with a group of us deciding to go for a walk somewhere different,’ says Emma, managing director of Cranborne Stone. ‘But as we talked, we realised it was an opportunity to do something more meaningful. Lisa is an experienced walker, so she was volunteered to plan the route!’
The fundraiser was inspired by the story of Fontmell Magna teenager David ‘DD’ Langton-Gilks, who died from a brain tumour aged just 16. His tumour took six weeks to diagnose and later spread from his brain to his spine.
After his death, DD’s parents, Sacha and Simon Langton-Gilks, campaigned tirelessly to improve awareness of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours. Their work helped support the HeadSmart campaign, now known as Better Safe Than Tumour, which promotes earlier diagnosis in both children and adults.
With the route decided, the group have been training for the challenge for months.
Sacha welcomed the fundraising effort, saying she was touched by the gesture and grateful for the support of a cause that continues to help families facing a brain tumour diagnosis.
Funds raised will support The Brain Tumour Charity’s work in research, awareness and support for patients and families affected by the disease.
Follow the group on Insta at @dorsetwalkaholics. To donate, visit justgiving.com/team/dorset-walkaholics
The Dorset Life Community News section is sponsored by Wessex Internet
