Lauren’s Walk from Coast to Coast
Walking from Coast to Coast in Memory of Syd
Lauren Cornish, 33 from St Helier’s, will be braving the elements this March as she attempts the Coast to Coast Walk in memory of her dad, Syd, who she lost to pancreatic cancer. The two had originally planned it as a father and daughter adventure together. Now Lauren will be doing the walk with two of her closest friends, Sophie and Sasha.
Lauren is raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer Action to fund research of pancreatic cancer and improving earlier diagnosis of the disease.
The Coast to Coast Walk is a trail which runs across the width of northern England it starts at St Bees beach in Cumbria and finishes at Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire. The route passes through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Park. The trio plan to complete the attempt within 11 days.
Before Syd was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Lauren and her dad planned to do the Coast to Coast Walk together, camping along the way. It was going to be a great adventure for them.
“We wanted to be there doing it the second we thought of it, to be in the middle of the wilderness away from the stresses of life, just the two of us” said Lauren.
Then came the news of Syd’s diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Lauren hoped that they would be able to complete their planned adventure at a later date, “I still believed in my heart he would get better and we would still do it”.
Sadly, just five months after his diagnosis Syd passed away.
Pancreatic cancer is a terrible disease, only 5 per cent will survive to 5 years and most will die within six months of a diagnosis. Syd met his diagnosis head on, Lauren recounts that difficult time.
“Dad endured months of pain from the disease itself as well as from the chemotherapy treatment he was receiving.
Most of the time he still got out for walks as much as he could and would meet me out but wouldn’t let on how much pain he was actually in.
He was the bravest person I’ve ever known. All in all, he was my hero, as well as the best dad a son and daughter could ask for.”
Sophie and Sasha’s support means a lot to Lauren, “Sophie and Sasha are the two most amazing ladies. They have been an amazing support with my dad.
They jumped at the idea of doing the walk, they are brilliant, kind-hearted human beings, so I couldn’t be happier that the three of us are taking on this challenge together.”
Sasha said “this walk is for Syd, his legacy and to raise awareness for a great cause. An adventure to be conquered with two of the most precious friends I have. This is a memory we’ll make never to be forgotten and one to celebrate the life of the man who gave us a diamond.”
Sophie is equally supporting, “We are going with Lauren to help support her through one of the toughest times in her life and share the adventure. Life is something we try to make sense of everyday but once in a while we all have to let go of control, just walk, breathe and use our senses to melt into life’s beautiful rays, because life is for living and remembering those who have lived and holding those moments in your heart forever.”
Pancreatic cancer is the UK’s 5th biggest cancer killer. The survival rate is just 5% which is the lowest of any cancer. To find out more about pancreatic cancer please visit our symptoms page.
Ali Stunt, Founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “We are delighted that Lauren, Sophie and Sasha are raising funds and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer Action, in such a poignant challenge.
Not only will the going be physically demanding but it will also be an emotional time for them. I wish the ladies all the luck, I know they will make it a memorable experience.”
Pancreatic Cancer Action is committed to working towards earlier diagnosis of the disease so that surgery is made available to the sufferer. The charity fund research into early diagnosis, provide medical education programmes, and launch awareness campaigns.
To support Lauren, Sophie and Sasha, you can donate to their JustGiving page.