Ian Ellis
HOMEWARD BOUND: From City to Source for Sara
Fundraising for Guy's & St. Thomas' Charity
Story
On the afternoon of Sunday 8th September the 'big walk' in Sara's memory was completed in Uley, Gloucestershire, 190 miles and nine days (and many sore muscles and blisters!) after it started, at the London Bridge Hospital where Sara was treated, and where she died nearly one year ago, on 30th September 2012. Members of her family carried her ring on each leg of the route, symbolising the walk's ethos, which was to make the journey home for Sara. This is the journey which she made so often (not on foot of course!) but which, sadly, she could not make at the end. About 250 people participated in the walk, some for one or more days, some for a part-day, some providing support through driving or feeding the walkers! Amongst them were Huw David and his friends, walking in memory of his beloved mother Jan who was a very dear friend of Sara's mother. We would like to thank everyone who took part in any way, and also many others who have contributed so very generously - and continue to do so - to the fund in Sara's memory. The money is being used directly to fund a PhD in Professor Andrew Tutt's research team at Thomas's Hopsital, undertaking research into finding more effective treatment for breast cancers, like Sara's, which are 'triple negative' and do not respond to to the usual available treatments. So we have the most direct link possible between the money raised in Sara's memory and the research it is helping to fund, managed by the doctors who treated Sara, Andy Tutt and Dr Mark Harries. Inspired by meeting Professor Tutt's fantastic team and by the real hope that they will be able to beat this frustrating condition, and building on an idea conceived by Sara's brother-in-law Nigel, the big walk became a glorious reality. It was particularly special as we walked on the Thames Walk all the way from the City to the very source of the river which is within a few miles of the Falkenburgs' house. The contributions made by all friends and supporters are equally welcome and valued, because we all did it for Sara, in the hope of beating this particular challenge of breast cancer which is triple negativity. Thank you so much for supporting us.