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The loneliness of the long distance walkers
Tracy Bell and Jean Sanderson, who both live in Threekingham, have set themselves a remarkable challenge to raise money for two charities, which are close to their hearts. At the end of last year they ‘signed up’ for the Pathfinder March, a 46 mile long distance walk that must be completed in less than 20 hours. The route takes them to four RAF stations, from which the Pathfinder Squadrons operated in World War II.
The girls are looking for support and sponsorship to raise money for Cancer Research and Neurofibromatosis Association (UK). They have set themselves an ambitious fund raising target of £5000! They also intend to make a donation to the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, a charity that is supported by the village on an annual basis.
But why take on such a challenging fund raising activity?
Tracy’s Story
It is always difficult to choose a cause when raising money for charity and having been involved in charity fund-raising over a sustained period this was not an easy task this time!
eI decided to raise money for Cancer Research UK for a number of reasons. Firstly, the charity works tirelessly for and gives relief to people of all ages, gender and ethnicity. I feel this is of particular merit as Cancer affects one in three people across the entire spectrum of society and is no respecter of any boundary.
Secondly, there is a belief that the fit or young are immune to the terrible effects of the disease, sadly this is not the case as I experienced first hand. As a keep fit fanatic, playing, hockey, rugby and teaching aerobics, I was struck with this terrible disease. Thankfully, I am now completely well and want to give some time and effort back to those that helped me.
I have also experienced with close family members the highs and lows of living with Cancer from the non patient side and will do everything within my power to help others find improved treatments and hopefully one day a complete cure to this widespread disease.
Jean’s Story
My brother was diagnosed with Neurofibromatiosis (Nf) when he was very young. At that stage, very little was know about the disorder and doctors struggled with the best way to treat his symptoms. Typically of Nf sufferers he has numerous benign tumours on the central nervous system, predominantly on the face and back. The tumours, along with the surgery have led to my brother suffering from another typical symptom of Nf – a facial deformity. Although this is (and always has been) normal to us, he went through various stages in his life when he looked worse than others. The worst stage was when he was late childhood and adolescence. It is difficult to articulate how cruel children can be at that age and the potential long term affect this type of bullying could have. Even now, many people do not get to know the real person as they cannot see past the fact that he looks slightly different.
Although there is no cure for Nf, further research is vital. Although not itself cancer, Nf research has great importance for research into a number of common cancers - colon cancer, breast cancer, leukaemia and melanomas included so the advantages are far reaching. The changes I have seen in the knowledge, support and treatment of this common, but little known, disorder during my brother’s life time have been huge, but there is still along way to go. I would like to do my bit to help make others lives easier in the future and this seems like a good way to achieve this aim.
Neurofibromatosis is one of our most common genetic disorders, affecting 1 in every 2,500 people world wide including 25,000 in this country alone
The girls began training for this test of endurance in October 2008 and have just completed a ‘practice walk’ of 31 miles! So they are on target for their 46 miles walk in June. Most of their training is carried out around the lanes of South Lafford Diocese so please look out for them and offer your encouragement.
They would be delighted if you could support them by making a donation or alternatively sponsor either or both of the girls with a’ per mile’ pledge.
Making a Donation
If you use online banking system then you can make a donation directly to our Pathfinder bank account at the co-operative Bank.
The account details are as follows:
Account Name: Pathfinder March
Account Number: 65337462
Sort Code: 08-92-99
If you would prefer to make a donation by cheque please print and complete the Pathfinders March form by clicking here.
Your cheque should be made payable to Pathfinder March.
Please send the form and contribution to:
Pathfinder March Finance and Admin
c/o 3 Danesfield
Threekingham
Sleaford
Lincolnshire
NG34 0AP.
If you are making a pledge please complete the form on-line and mail it to pathfindermarch09@btinternet.com or alternatively print and complete the form and send it to the above address.
You can send a message of encouragement to the girls at Tracy.Bell@compass-group.co.uk or Jean.Sanderson@aviva.com
The Pathfinder March
This is an annual 46-mile long-distance walk around the four main Airbases of the Pathfinder Force, RAF Wyton (the HQ), RAF Gravely, RAF Oakington and RAF Warboys (Training Base). It takes place as close to the 21st of June as possible to get the maximum amount of daylight. Walkers set off at 4a.m. with 20 hours to complete the Walk. It is a gruelling test of strength, stamina and map reading skills.
It was inaugurated in 1997 by Sqn Ldr Gavin Sugden, to commemorate the Pathfinder Force which operated out of RAF Wyton, RAF Gravely, RAF Oakington, RAF Warboys and their satellite bases from 1942 to 1945. Flying Halifaxes, Lancasters, Mosquitos, Stirlings and Wellingtons (the latter two replaced by Lancasters and Mosquitos), the Force had twenty squadrons and flights in the three years of its existence.
About Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is the world's leading independent organisation dedicated to cancer research.
“We support research into all aspects of cancer through our work of more than 4,500 scientists, doctors and nurses. We carry out world-class research to improve the understanding of cancer and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer. We ensure that our findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients. We help people to understand cancer, the progress we are making and the choices each person can make. We work in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer”.
About Neurofibromatosis Association (UK)
Neurofibromatosis is one of our most common genetic disorders, affecting 1 in every 2,500 people worldwide including 25,000 in this country alone. It can affect any family, with no previous history of neurofibromatosis, through new gene mutation. As yet there is no cure.
The Neurofibromatosis Association has six main aims:
- provide help, support and advice to those affected by either form of Neurofibromatosis, their families and the professionals working with them. To do this we employ a team of hospital based professional Neurofibromatosis Specialist Advisors around the UK.
- provide relevant, up to date information on both forms of Neurofibromatosis for professionals, families and individuals.
- fund research into both types of Neurofibromatosis.
- provide activity holidays and breaks for children and adults with either form of Neurofibromatosis.
- encourage the establishment of local groups and volunteers throughout the UK raise awareness of the Neurofibromatoses amongst the general public through fundraising activities.
About the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire Air Ambulance
The Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire Air Ambulance is a dedicated medical air service, which first began operations in Lincolnshire in April 1994.
Based at RAF Waddington, south of Lincoln the Helicopter can reach any destination in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire in 19 minutes. In the financial year 2007/2008 we flew 1104 missions and on 6th March 2008 completed our 10,000th mission.
While the medical aircrew and most of the equipment on the Air Ambulance are provided by the Ambulance Services, all other costs, amounting to approximately £1,500,000 each year, have to be raised by public donations.
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