A woman has completed the 84-mile Norfolk Coast Path raising almost £1,600 to support the hospital where she was twice treated for breast cancer.
Judith Marney set off from Hunstanton, in west Norfolk, on 26 July accompanied by friend Jeanne Heal to tackle the walk to Hopton on the north east Norfolk coast, with husband John acting as support crew.
Along with sponsorship, the team picked up donations along the way all of which have gone to Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal which is raising money for a new dedicated Breast Cancer Unit which will offer a same-day diagnosis service to all patients.
Judith chose the appeal after her own treatment from breast cancer, first 22 years ago, and for a second time last September when she was recalled to the N&N following a routine mammogram.
She said: “This should have been the last before my 70th birthday. Following my diagnosis, the treatment that I received proceeded quickly and efficiently and hopefully, I am now cancer free. My two cancers have been in different breasts and, I’m told, were unrelated. I’ve just been unlucky.
“Without the dedicated care of the staff, surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, radiographers, nurses and students throughout the N&N, my prognosis wouldn’t be as good as it is.
Director of the NNUH Breast Imaging Unit Dr Arne Juette, accompanied by members of his team, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Judith Marney, and husband John.
“When I first had cancer, within nine months of completing treatment I ran the London Marathon to raise funds for a cancer charity. Some 22 years on, affected by arthritis and back problems, I’m unable to run any more but I decided to walk the coastal path in six days, six month
s after completing treatment, accompanied by my very good friend, Jeanne, who has been around for both of my cancer journeys.”
Judith ended her walk at Potter’s Leisure resort at Hopton and were greeted to a reception and a cheque for £250 to add to the funds and a VIP tea in the ballroom.
She said: “It was unbelievably generous and was somewhat emotional to receive such support at the end of a gruelling challenge. Thank you Potters.”
The Boudicca Appeal which was launched at the end of last year, and has already raised more than £210,000 towards the dedicated breast cancer unit at the hospital,
Equipment has already been purchased with the funds already raised so patients can start to benefit as soon as possible.
Dr Arne Juette, Director of the NNUH Breast Imaging Unit, thanked Judith for her support when she and John visited the hospital to present the team with the money she had raised.
He said: “Thank you to Judith for taking part in this challenge during what was one of the hottest weeks of the year, to support of our Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal. It means so much to the team here to have support like this.”
If you would like to support the Boudicca Appeal, contact fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk
