A Wetherby student and her flatmate have raised over £1,300 for Breast Cancer Now after her mum was diagnosed with stage four cancer.
Abby Strachan and Aiden Billau, who study at the University of Huddersfield, are taking on a 100-mile walking challenge alongside their studies.
The pair began the challenge earlier this month after Abby’s mum, Claire Strachan, received her second cancer diagnosis just days before Abby returned to university for her third year.
Abby said:
“It was a sudden and devastating diagnosis, with mum needing to start chemo straightaway.
“Going back to university felt awful leaving her, but this challenge has enabled me to feel that I am doing something to show our support and mum has even done some of the walks with me when I have gone home.
“Cancer is a horrible illness, but mum is getting through the chemo and I am so proud of her. I hope more people will support us so we can also help more people going through the same.”
The challenge has given Abby and Aiden a way to support Claire while raising money for other people affected by breast cancer.
Aiden said:
“I wanted to do anything I could to support Abby, and going out and walking miles a day for this challenge has been the perfect solution.
“We get out and about in all weathers, and we are not only supporting Abby’s mum, but other people affected by cancer.”
Claire had finished three-and-a-half years of breast cancer treatment in July before receiving the new diagnosis.
She has since undergone six chemotherapy sessions and says she is responding to treatment.
Claire said:
“I am so proud of them both for taking on this challenge, as I had only stopped 3.5yrs of treatment for breast cancer in July, and been given the all-clear for 12 months.
“Finding I now have stage 4 cancer so shortly after that has impacted both family and friends too, so this has been a great way for them to support Abby as well.
“I am responding to the chemotherapy, and am aiming to be back on my feet as soon as possible.”
Abby has also donated a total of four feet of her hair to the Little Princess Trust over the past decade, helping the charity provide wigs for children with cancer.
Claire added:
“This really is another string to her bow, and having Aiden by her side is a great comfort to me.”
The pair have raised over £1,300 so far, with donations supporting Breast Cancer Now. Find their JustGiving campaign here.
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