A courageous mum from Welling is braving a 100 kilometre trek in honour of her sister who died from breast cancer at the age of 32.
Gabby Saul is set to take part in a 100km trek across Hadrian’s Wall from Saturday, June 10, to raise money and awareness for breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!
The five day trek, with eight to nine hours of solid walking per day, will pass hotspots in the North of the UK including Bamburgh Castle, The Cheviot, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, and of course, Hadrian’s Wall.
Mum-of-two Gabby says she is joining the ambitious trekkers to help “improve people’s lives” in memory of her sister Maddy.
Gabby told the News Shopper: “Throughout my sister’s treatment, she was very brave, courageous, inspirational and one of the things that she was really keen to do was to take part in any research that could help the lives of other people and improve sort of breast cancer treatment.
“I think, for her, she knew she was never going to meet these people, but she had this chance to sort of improve on people's lives.
“So hopefully I can help contribute as well and try to improve things for people.”
The CoppaFeel! Breast cancer charity runs charity treks every year – usually one in the UK and one abroad, and have previously completed treks across the Sahara desert, Pembrokeshire and other challenging terrains.
To prepare herself for the adventure, Gabby says herself, her husband and children have been going on long walks.
She said: “We have been doing lots of hill walking, and I often go to the gym and do an hour on the treadmill with a high incline.
“It’s a good it's a good physical challenge for me, for sure – so it's great for me as well to focus on building up my fitness.”
Despite the physical challenge, Gabby says she is “really looking forward” to taking part in the trek, as there is a “real sense of camaraderie” with the determined trekkers taking on Hadrian’s Wall.
Gabby added: “Some women taken part have been affected with cancer in the past, and others have been affected by loved ones who have passed from breast cancer.
“There is even women taking part who are currently undertaking treatment.
“It’s a real feeling of camaraderie – everyone is so inspiring.
“I think it's going to be a great opportunity for us to come together.”
So far, Gabby has raised more than £1,500 with her donation link and has a target of £2,250.
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“I think it is important to encourage, especially young women, to check their breasts regularly” Gabby added, as spotting cancer early can lead to better outcomes. Gabby explained: “They say it should be once a month that we should be checking our breasts.
“The CoppaFeel! Charity do amazing work in trying to raise awareness, particularly in young women.
“But a reminder for young women, check regularly and if you're not sure, just go and get it checked out by a GP because it's better to do it early.”
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