When diagnosed with breast cancer last year, Preston mum of two and PR copywriter Jacqueline Ballard spent her month of daily radiotherapy sessions at Rosemere Cancer Centre planning her life after treatment.
AdvertisementOne of her plans was to walk Hadrian’s Wall and enjoy the scenery alongside her health, and raise money for the team who treated her.
Jacqueline, 57, said: “I wanted to do the walk for its beautiful scenery, to celebrate my wellbeing in the fresh air and to thank my consultant by showing him I’d taken his advice.
“I also wanted to do it to raise money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, which supports the cancer centre, to show my appreciation for all the centre’s staff, who work so hard and make grueling treatment manageable for patients.”
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Jacqueline took seven days to complete the walk, finishing it with a 19 mile yomp. She was accompanied by friend and teaching assistant Dee Ibbotson, also of Preston.
They ensured their walk was in keeping with social distancing guidance and all accommodation along the way was arranged to be completely independent of other people.
Having previously completed the Coast-to-Coast path for charity, Jacqueline, who is originally from Australia but has lived in Preston for 25 years, said: “My diagnosis came as a complete shock. It was a life changing experience.
“I would like to thank Dee for her support through some tough times as well on this walk and everyone who sponsored me.”
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Rosemere Cancer Foundation works to bring world class cancer treatments and services to cancer patients from throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria being treated at Rosemere Cancer Centre, the region’s specialist cancer and radiotherapy treatment centre at the Royal Preston Hospital.
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