A woman whose brother organised a 24-hour coastal walk in Norfolk on September 30 to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support says she is "overwhelmed at everyone’s kindness" after more than £7,000 has been raised.
Lauren Bowers-Broadley's brother, Danny Brown, organised the walk following her stage four melanoma diagnosis back in June this year.
He and Lauren’s husband, Sam Bowers-Broadley, had already raised more than £1,000 for charity and have also previously taken on a bike ride from Ely to Wales and walking from Ely to Holland for other cancer charities.
The pair, alongside Lauren and around 30-40 other individuals including some of the colleagues she works with at St Mary’s Surgery in the city, joined together on Saturday to conquer the 24-hour coastal hike.
The group set off from Hunstanton at 12pm and finished on Sunday, October 1 at 12pm.
A small group (including Lauren) completed six miles of the walk, the majority completed 16 miles, some completed 22 miles whilst Sam, Danny, Jack, Aaron, Jonathan and Robert all completed the 50 miles.
“The finish line for them was Cromer Pier and it was so emotional. We raised a further £391 from kind donations whilst walking,” said Lauren.
“I feel so overwhelmed and proud at everyone’s kindness and support! I am so proud that, although something horrible has happened, it has brought so many people together and so much money has been made for an amazing cause!”.
Lauren was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in 2015 and underwent radiotherapy. It was contained in her eye, and she had regular surveillance at Moorfields Hospital.
READ MORE: Ely: Group taking on 24-hour walk for Macmillian charity
Unfortunately, in June a surveillance ultrasound showed some suspicious lesions and after more scans and a biopsy she was diagnosed with stage four melanoma.
Ocular melanoma is the most common type of eye cancer. It is rare, with odds of getting it at about six in one million. It can cause vision problems and can be serious if it spreads to other organs.
The cancer comes from melanocytes that give colour to the lining of your eye and can occur in various parts of the eye such as the lid, the choroid, the iris or the ciliary body. Treatment often involves radiation aimed at destroying the tumor or surgery to remove it.
“I’ve had two treatments and Addenbrooke’s has been great. Things are hopefully heading in the right direction. I feel so grateful and lucky, and we have had so much support,” said Lauren.
Alongside the 24-hour walk, St Mary’s Surgery spent the week leading up to the walk raising money whilst running cake sales for patients and staff at their flu clinics.
The surgery ended up raising £1,350 for Lauren’s charity.
“A huge thank you to Dr Young and partners for holding it. I know myself, Dr Young and St Mary’s Surgery want to say a huge thank you for the donations from patients and staff,” said Lauren.
“Our total is now above £7,000 which is incredible!”
When Danny heard the news about Lauren, he felt helpless but knew he could organise a charity event to help raise funds. He is now thanking those who have donated to the group’s fundraiser for being so generous.
“The atmosphere for the walk was amazing! Of course it was for a great cause but it was incredible for all of us to turn up and support Lauren, he said.
“I can’t lie, we all found the 24 hours tough, but Loz and the cause kept us all going.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for turning up and for all the donations! Everyone has been so generous!’
You can donate to the group’s Just Giving page by visiting: Danny Brown is fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support (justgiving.com).
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