Miles for Meso 2025

On 2nd September 2022 I was given the devastating news that I have mesothelioma, and told that I had around 9-12 months to live.

Mesothelioma is an incurable form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. I was 56 years of age with a 25 yr work history in community pharmacy. I did not fit the demographic of mesothelioma. It's generally associated with older men who have knowingly worked with asbestos.

The reality is that we are all at risk of asbestos exposure. It was banned for use in the UK in 1999 but is still present in many public buildings. It is in many of our schools, hospitals, leisure centres and high street stores. As these buildings age and deteriorate, more people will be at risk of exposure to the devil’s dust.

Prior to my diagnosis, I was a fit and active person. I had a career change 4 years earlier, and had a physical job on the railway, which I loved. I was also a runner and completed my last marathon in under four hours - that's not bad for a female over 50!

I now haven’t been able to work since May 2022, and my days of popping out for a Sunday morning 10-mile run, just for fun, are long gone.
I underwent major surgery in 2023, which is not a cure and has left significant collateral damage. Despite this, I have a positive mind-set, I have adapted to my 'new normal’ and although the big C will never leave me, I still intend on filling my lifetime with experiences and joy

Throughout my 3 years of illness, I have met an amazing mesothelioma community. Doctors, Nurse Specialists, solicitors, researchers, charity workers, other patients and their families and carers. So many people who have provided medical expertise, emotional support, legal advice, friendship and motivation through the toughest of times. These people have been so amazing, and they have volunteered to join me and my family and friends on a repeat of last years epic Hallow 12 Parish Challenge on Saturday 12th July 2025 to raise money for Mesothelioma Uk and Asbestos Support Central England.
This is a marathon hike, 26.2 miles around beautiful Worcestershire. It’s a tough, hilly and challenging course. Last year we completed it in 13 hours, and raised over £10,000 for the charities. This year, with a new and bigger team, we hope to smash those figures.

Since last years challenge I have had significant disease progression, and have recently undergone a course of radiotherapy, with the likelihood of more treatment to start very soon. This has made me all the more determined and grateful to this wonderful group of people, some of who work in the industry to support people like me, and some of who have been by my side giving love and support through what has been a rollercoaster of a journey 💙❤️

Mesothelioma UK and Asbestos Support Central England have been a tremendous support to myself and my family, and without their help, I wouldn't be as strong as I am right now.

Mesothelioma UK is the national charity for anyone affected by mesothelioma. They exist to support patients to live better and for longer, and to prevent mesothelioma happening to future generations. They do this by advocating for better treatment and care, and supporting research.

Asbestos Support Central England is a registered charity set up to help people with asbestos related diseases and to campaign for the safe removal of asbestos.

We'd really appreciate any support you can give in our quest to raise funds for these two very worthwhile and underfunded charities. No amount is too small, and please only donate what is affordable to you.

Our amazing team: Sue Farrall, Shiran Cleminson, Sophie Phillips, Alida Coates, Beth Peers, Brigita Trink, Jade Crutchley, Steve Fitzwalter, Lorraine Creech, Angela Tod, Jill Lemon, Megan Huxtable, Louise Nelson, Sylvia Eaves, Becky Jones, Rachael Gent, Deborah Bateman, Issy Harris, Trisha, Richard Blunt, Emily B,