A RETIRED teacher from Warwick is organising a Walk of Light to fund-raise in memory of her daughter.
Anne Oliver lost her daughter Sophie to leukaemia in 1998.
The walk, which will take place during sunset at 6.30pm on March 26, aims to raise money for Blood Cancer UK – a charity the family has supported for 25 years.
Those joining the walk in Victoria Park can complete as many circuits as they wish until 8pm and are encouraged to carry lanterns or torches to light their way. Some may be walking in memory of a loved one lost to blood cancer and others in support of someone living with the disease.
Anne said: “When Sophie was diagnosed with leukaemia our world was turned upside down.
“She was in treatment for over two and a half years, including a bone marrow transplant, but sadly the cancer returned and she died in December 1998.
“Since that time our family has supported the work of this charity through the Heart of England branch, which was formed in 1970.
“We have met many wonderful people who have also lost loved ones, or lived with a blood cancer themselves, and we are committed to continue raising money to try to ensure that other families don’t have to suffer the tragic loss that we did.
“I could have done this walk on my own – my target is £500 – but decided that it would be good to provide an event where others could come together to raise funds, but also to shine a light on the work of the charity.”
Blood cancer is the UK’s third biggest cause of cancer deaths – killing more people than either breast or prostate cancers – and 40,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition every year.
Blood Cancer UK funds research to transform the treatment of blood cancer and save lives as well as giving advice and support.
Visit www.bloodcancer.org.uk to register for the Heart of England Branch event. Walkers should email Anne on [email protected] to let her know.
Anne is also chair of the local Heart of England branch which raises funds for the charity. Those interested in joining the group can email Anne on the address above.
Click here to donate.
