Stevenage cancer patient takes on trek challenge for charity
A CANCER sufferer in remission will set off on Saturday on an adventure of a lifetime to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Dave Shephard and his wife, Jayne, of Walkern Road in Stevenage, are preparing to join a group of about 60 people to trek se
A CANCER sufferer in remission will set off on Saturday on an adventure of a lifetime to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Dave Shephard and his wife, Jayne, of Walkern Road in Stevenage, are preparing to join a group of about 60 people to trek sections of the Great Wall of China.
The pair will walk for seven to eight hours a day during the 11-day Macmillan challenge, which will see them cover some 85 km, and camp overnight.
Jayne, 42, said: "We decided to do the trek because Dave was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, underwent intense chemotherapy, and is now in remission. Due to the support around us, which included Macmillan, we got through a very difficult time.
"The shock when a family member is diagnosed with cancer is indescribable, so we needed the superb people from Macmillan to help us get through those times."
Dave, who was treated at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, added: "Unfortunately my type of cancer will eventually return."
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The 45-year-old said he was put into remission in March 2008, and has since been building up his strength.
"While I am in this remission stage I thought I would try and do something for the people and charities that helped me get through that difficult time in 2007," he said.
"The word 'cancer' is one of the most frightening words known to mankind, but the brilliant support Macmillan gives to sufferers and carers each and every day is breaking down that word and it is becoming less and less frightening.
"This is my way of supporting Macmillan after helping me in my personal challenge."
Dave and Jayne, who have four children, hope to raise more than �8,000. To sponsor the pair, visit www.justgiving.com/dave-jayneshephardmacmillanchinawalk2010
Alternatively, send a cheque made payable to Macmillan Cancer Support to Macmillan Cancer Support, Hertfordshire Fundraising Office, 12 Prospect Place, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9EN.
