"The Walk in her Name event is so close to my heart"

Alison was motivated to take part in Walk In Her Name by her sister Lesley, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2014.

"Sadly my sister died in 2016, just two years after diagnosis. Lesley’s death left a hole in my life and I wanted to ensure that her fight continued and the symptoms of ovarian cancer were promoted. 

After her diagnosis she had campaigned tirelessly to increase awareness of this disease and the treatments available. Had Lesley or her doctors been aware of the symptoms maybe her outcome could have been better. 

Since Lesley died myself, her husband, children and our family and friends have taken part in Walk in Her Name. Whilst I initially attended an event organised in Cardiff, for the last two years I have organised an event in our local town. These events keep Lesley’s memory alive and have so far raised over £5,000 for OCA. 

The Walk in her Name event is so close to my heart. Ovarian cancer has taken my sister Lesley, and has impacted the lives of many other friends. Lesley was so full of life, loved people and was very supportive of others. The event we run has become a social event with music and large crowds; it celebrates Lesley and her encompassing nature by also remembering others who have been affected by cancer. 

The fundraising I have done through our walk in Lesley’s name meant that I was invited, along with family members, to the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre in London. We were able to visit the laboratory, see where the money raised is spent in research and got to see Lesley’s name on the wall of remembrance. It was an honour for all of us to know that we, in memory of Lesley, have been able to support ongoing research and have kept her fight and determination to make a difference going.

Summer is the perfect season to get outdoors and walk to raise funds for vital medical research. Sign up for your free fundraising pack today!