A huge CancerCare ”well done,” to the amazing Natalie Love from Heysham who took part in our Sunrise at Scafell Challenge on Sunday raising more than £1,100 for us.
Natalie admits to being no lover of heights, but she was determined to push herself by joining the brave band of hikers on our night-time trek up Scafell Pike in the wee small hours on Sunday which saw eight hardy souls scale the mountain by headtorch light.
She was inspired to take part as a way of saying “thank you” to CancerCare for supporting her family after her husband fell ill.
Natalie’s young children have accessed our specialist support services for young people including one-to-one counselling, walking and talking therapy and joining the Re-Fresh Peer Support Group, which provides fun, activities and trips for youngsters affected by cancer and bereavement at home.
“My husband has not been at home for the last year and they have particularly struggled with him not being here. Therapy has helped them with their anxieties and emotions in different ways. My son Daniel has a lot of energy and it helped him process his feelings while the group support at Re-Fresh was something that my teenage daughter Matilda really benefitted from at the time,” said Natalie.
The ascent was led by experts from Lakeland Mountain Guides, but adverse weather conditions meant it was tough going, particularly for Natalie who is more used to low-level walking.
“The darkness actually helped me as I couldn’t look up and see how steep it was and how far there was left to go! There was a lovely atmosphere with everyone encouraging each other and plenty of Haribos being passed round to keep us going. Looking down from the mountain and seeing the lake a glassy black colour was something I’ll never forget,” said Natalie
Natalie smashed her original fundraising target of £700 thanks to the amazing support of her family and friends.
“CancerCare has helped my family so much and I am so grateful to know that the money will go to help other families and children going through similar situations who may be in need of help,” said Natalie.
A wonderful achievement Natalie, it means so much see how much we have helped your family and also when people we have helped decide to do the same for us in return.
Hope you get chance to rest your weary legs and plan your next adventure!