Virtual walk from London to Canada for breast cancer charity

A huge virtual walking challenge has been launched by one Blackheath woman in a bid to raise funds for the breast cancer charity Walk the Walk.

Heather Lawson, 51, from Vanbrugh Park, is fundraising after being inspired by her friend Leeanne Adu, from Dowanhill Road, Catford, who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer just before Christmas at the age of just 35.

The current collective total walked is 2,196 miles, with the group aiming to raise £1,000 for Walk the Walk.

In February 2020, Ms Lawson travelled to the Arctic Circle with a group of 13 women and men to backcountry ski a marathon for Walk the Walk.

The group are now taking on a new virtual walking challenge, coordinated by Ms Lawson, for the group to walk the 3,492 miles from London to Rousseau in Canada.

She said: “Our trip to the Arctic last year was so special and bonds were made which will last a lifetime.

“We’ve all kept in close touch and one day I was ranting in our WhatsApp group about my friend Leanne’s breast cancer diagnosis, just a week after her little girl turned three.

“One of the group then shared that her oldest friend from school had been diagnosed – followed by someone else telling us that her friend, a single Mum of two, was also being treated for breast cancer.

“We had to do something. We’re delighted to be raising vital funds for Walk the Walk, which is supporting frontline cancer charities with Emergency Grants during the pandemic.

“And on top of that, taking on our virtual walking challenge from London to Canada is helping the whole group keep fit and active, by making us walk as much as possible.”

Leeanne Adu is currently undergoing chemotherapy, having been diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas.

“Heather is amazing and simply inspirational. Every time she sets herself a challenge – it’s always a big one,” said Mrs Adu.

“This virtual walk is just the same and I’m so grateful that Heather is doing this. It’s incredible that she’s raising money and making such a difference for Walk the Walk – all because of what I’m going through with my breast cancer.

“I’m relieved that I was diagnosed relatively early – my prognosis is good and I’m looking forward to the future, once I’m through my treatment.

“Body awareness is so important and when I discovered the lump in my breast, I knew instinctively that it was something which wasn’t there before.

“I’d encourage women and men of all ages to check their breasts regularly and be “handsy” with their boobs, as I call it.

“Also – don’t think that because you’re younger, it won’t affect you – it can. If you do find something unusual – get it checked out as soon as possible.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here: https://walkthewalk.enthuse.com/pf/team-fever-tree