In April this year, we told you about the amazing Annie who was inspiring her friends and family to take on the Wales Coastal Path to raise funds for The Breast Centre Appeal and City Hospice, Cardiff.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2019 Annie had a successful mastectomy and was given the all clear in November 2019. She said she had incredible care and support from all the wonderful people at the Breast Centre in Llandough Hospital, so decided she would like to give something back to them. Her idea was to walk the Welsh Coastal Path and try and raise some money. We all know what then happened in March 2020!!
Covid was not going to stop Annie achieving her goal, so she used the time in lockdown to improve her fitness and began building up the distance until she was walking up to 12 miles a day.
Very sadly, later in the year, Annie was diagnosed with a Triple Negative Breast Cancer and was unable to continue with her plan.
Headed by her husband Ray, who by his own admission had been ‘a conscientious objector to exercise all his life’, Annie’s family and friends decided to take on the challenge and show Annie the beauties and wonders of the Coastal Path. Annie’s daughter Maxine set up a fundraising page and a Facebook/Instagram account to help to fulfil Annie’s desire to complete the Wales Coastal Path, with Annie’s virtual involvement.
Before Annie became too ill, she wanted to raise money for the organisations who had helped her so much in coping with cancer, as she felt the care she’d received had been truly incredible. The two causes Annie chose to support were The Breast Centre Appeal and City Hospice, Cardiff.
Annie’s supporters set off brilliantly with the challenge, raising thousands in the first month all whilst taking some fabulous photos for Annie. Very sadly, just a month or so into the challenge, Annie passed away, peacefully at home, with her daughter Maxine and her husband Ray by her side.
Maxine said “We have had so many kind words and tributes to mum via social media and the fundraising page. I knew she was an amazing lady- it seems lots of other people knew too!”
Annie’s Wales Coastal Path Challenge has continued, and Maxine and Ray have been determined to keep promoting their challenge and supporting Cardiff & Vale Breast Centre Appeal and City Hospice for Annie.
We have loved following their progress and looking at some of the beautiful sights they have seen. Their supporters have also been incredibly generous, with their fundraising now reaching nearly £9,750 (with Gift Aid). Annie’s Welsh Coastal Path Challenge and Virtual Tour have a fundraising page set up on Virgin Money Giving, and have until the end of November 2021 to reach their £10,000 goal.
The Breast Centre Team continue to follow their amazing journey every step of the way, so keep an eye on the Health Charity and Breast Centre Appeal Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
You can also support Annie’s Wales Coastal Path Journey here:-
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AnniesWalesCoastalPathChallenge and keep up-to-date with their progress by following Annie’s Wales Coastal Path Challenge pages.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of Annie’s family and friends, and if you would like to know more about how you can support The Breast Centre Appeal or any of Cardiff & Vale Health Charity’s funds or appeals, please email fundraising.cav@wales.nhs.uk Thank you.