Local family raises more than £8,000 for Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support

Three siblings have undertaken separate challenges to raise money for Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support in support of their mother.

The two sisters and brother undertook three separate challenges over four days on the Isle of Wight and have managed to exceed their expected target by raising more than £8,000.

In total, Sarah, Jim and Gemma walked 68 miles, cycled 270 miles and carried out a 36-hour beach clean.

Kelsey Lawrence, fundraising manager for Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support (ALCS), said: "We are amazed and so grateful for this fundraising, especially with the amount raised. This will help us support so many of our activities and allow us to support so many more families affected by any cancer."

Mary Kahn, founder of ALCS, added: "What a wonderful event, imaginative with a positive environmental footprint. The money raised is incredible and we will be looking to use it to help those currently going through treatment."

The siblings took on the challenge after saying their family's "world had been blown apart", when their mum had been diagnosed with incurable cancer.

They said: "Put simply, our mum is an amazing lady. She is creative, warm, loving and has incredible strength of character. She has always lived a full life packed with friends, hobbies and travel. 

But last summer, her and dad's world was blown apart when she was diagnosed with an incurable cancer. As mum and dad moved forward and navigated their way through all the daunting information, decisions, emotions and upheaval, they were told about ALCS.

"The support provided by this small charity has been utterly wonderful… from the kind and understanding words, to the bag of thoughtful essential items left on the doorstep early in the morning on the day of mums first chemotherapy session, to the counselling and physical training sessions. 

"We knew that this very special and important, small charity needed to know that we were there for them, like they have been there for our mum. People don't often know about the smaller charities; these are the ones that are so important in small communities and can have such an important positive impact in supporting those living with and beyond cancer."

Commenting on the challenge itself, they added: "The four days were hot, exhausting and at stages became complicated by cows and landslide diversionary routes! But we were inspired to carry on by the wonderful words of encouragement and kind donations to our GoFundMe page from friends, family, associates, colleagues and strangers we met along the way.

"The three of us agreed that the most joyful and emotional moment came when we were met by mum and dad at our finish lines, with big hugs and a cold beer.

"What kept all of us going throughout this challenge was the belief that this charity is a compassionate community that provides solace, strength and a renewed hope when people most need it."

You can still make donations online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/sarah-jim-gem-take-on-the-isle-of-wight-for-al