Friends united by cancer raise £7,010 for Cancer Research Wales
Walk of hope from Conwy Bridge to Menai Bridge
Four Anglesey women who became close friends when they were being treated for cancer have raised £7,010 for Cancer Research Wales.
Over the last 18 months, Catrin, Julie, Siobhan and Kathy were all diagnosed and treated for cancer and faced surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
On top of that, they all faced the emotional toll that comes with a life-changing cancer diagnosis.
But in April, the determined four put their best foot forwards and trekked 18 miles from the Conwy Bridge to Menai Bridge outside Bangor.
They were joined on the journey by their friends and family who cheered them on and kept their spirits high.
Fresh air and moral support
Catrin and Julie started walking together after they were diagnosed with cancer, it was Julie's idea and a chance to get some fresh air and provide moral support for each other.
Shortly afterwards, they were joined by Siobhan and Kathy who were both also on their own journeys with cancer.
The walks became a safe space and circle of mutual understanding, support and resilience for the four friends.
"There was something incredibly powerful about being with people who truly got it," said Julie. "The fears, the side-effects, the dark humour, the small victories. Together we found comfort, courage and laughter in the middle of it all."
Another challenge
Inspired by the strength they found together, the four women decided to take on another challenge.
So, on 25 April, they walked from Conwy Bridge to Menai Bridge, turning miles on the road into a message of hope and determination.
"This walk was about more than distance," said Catrin. "It represents how far each of us has come. The hard days, the fear, the hospital waiting rooms, and the determination to keep going."
The group chose to fundraise for Cancer Research Wales, the independent Welsh cancer research charity, highlighting the role research plays in saving lives and improving treatments.
Research saves lives
They credit previous generations of fundraisers for the therapies that helped them through their own diagnoses and wanted to give something back.
"Research saves lives. The treatments we received exist because people fundraised before us. Now it's our turn and together, step by step, we're walking forward."