ONE woman and one dog are on a mission - to raise donations for Bowel Cancer UK by walking 100 miles this September.
Helen Gallie along with her furry friend ‘Finnegan’ are taking part in Bowel Cancer UK’s Walkies Together this September in memory of her husband David who died from the disease and to raise donations to go towards bowel cancer research.
Helen, who is from Penzance, said: “My husband David was diagnosed with bowel cancer and had major surgery, followed by six months of chemotherapy in 2017.
“We got married in 2018 and David got the all-clear, life was good.
“Sadly, the cancer returned in 2021 and he died in 2022.”
“My husband never gave in and throughout his treatment, he managed to keep his wicked humour. He had more chemotherapy and ended up in hospital several times and often I couldn’t visit because of covid-19 which was heartbreaking.
“I am taking part in Walk Together with my lovely Finnegan. Towards the end of David’s life, Finnegan hardly left his side except for walkies and food.
“When David died, Finnegan was thoroughly confused.
However, daily walks with Finnegan have helped Helen through a difficult time. Helen said: “He makes me walk every day come rain or shine and I feel so much better because of it.
“I usually end up chatting to somebody on our walks and Finnegan makes me laugh every day!”
Helen and Finnegan are now gearing up to walk at least 100 miles throughout September to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK: “I want to raise awareness of bowel cancer because David didn’t have the classic symptoms,” Helen said. “If something isn’t right, go to your doctor and don’t be embarrassed.”
Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK, making it the fourth most common cancer. Funds raised by Walking Together will help stop people from dying of the disease by raising awareness and funding vital services and lifesaving research.
Like Finnegan, dogs can provide comfort and support to people who have had surgery. Dogs also help improve general fitness by motivating their owners to exercise regularly and get out in the great outdoors.
Luke Squires, director of fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “This September we think it’s time for pooches to shine.
“So, we're asking them to put their best paw forward in our very first dog walking challenge, Walkies Together.
“Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK which means that in the time it takes to walk five miles, seven people will hear the words: ‘You have bowel cancer.’
"We're determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by the disease but we're entirely reliant on the generous support and commitment of fundraisers like Helen and Finnegan, signing up and raising funds by taking part in events like Walkies Together.”
For more information on signing up visit: https://fundraise.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/walkies
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