Barrow-based Jenna Lees is walking the Keswick to Barrow (K2B) with CancerCare for the second time. In 2024, she completed the challenge and raised an incredible total of £1,700 to give something back to CancerCare as we helped her family when her father died.
Jenna’s dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer and sadly passed away in September 2023.
“His passing was traumatic in itself but the way it happened added another layer of trauma,” Jenna explained. “The family were all away on a cruise when Dad took a turn for the worse and passed away suddenly.”
Jenna’s family members have since used the services offered by CancerCare.
In December, Jenna was on the hunt for a personal challenge she could take on to both push herself and complete in memory of her late dad.
“I decided to have a stab at the K2B,” she said. “It was perfect because it gave me a personal goal, I could raise money for charity in honour of Dad, the walking would help improve my physical health and getting outside in nature would benefit me mentally.
“At the time I made the decision to do the K2B, a dog randomly came to live with me due to unforeseen circumstances which made walking so much easier and more fun.”
Jenna began walking between two and three miles everyday with her Cocker Spaniel, Rory. They would head out after work and they took on longer hikes in the Lake District at the weekends.
“Walking with Rory helped me through such a difficult time,” Jenna said. “By the time the K2B came around I had clocked a huge amount of training miles, but I was still unsure in my ability to complete the walk. I had gathered a good amount of sponsor money and supporters and I was worried about letting people down, including Dad.”
CancerCare’s 2024 K2B challenge was not for the faint-hearted as walkers were required to power through blistering heat.
Jenna said: “It was so tough, and the heat was ridiculous. Also, I was walking alone and had underestimated how difficult this would be. If it hadn’t been for the beautiful camaraderie between fellow walkers and the lovely people at checkpoints, cheering you on and helping you out, I wouldn’t have made it to the end.
“Reaching the finish line was incredible! I was crying with relief when I got my final checkpoint stamp - I was even given an extra beer token!”
Jenna is taking on the K2B once again on 10th May 2025.
“I know what to expect now so I hope I can relax and enjoy it a bit more,” she said. “I have chosen to walk for CancerCare once again as I know how valuable they are to local families going through similar experiences.”