A poignant sponsored walk for two charities close to the heart of a dying mum has netted more than £29,000 – thanks to the generosity of the public.
More than 140 people walked up Mount Snowdon last Saturday in support of Nightingale House Hospice and The Willow Foundation, which have been helping former Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology student Vikki Purslow, 27, who has just six months left to live.
Vikki, mother to five-year-old Amelie and Cleo, eight months, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer in the liver, neck, chest and digestive system. Her diagnosis earlier this year has touched the hearts of many who have rallied round to support the family.
One such person is old school friend Richard Lunt, from Whitchurch, who on hearing of Vikki’s diagnosis set about organising the sponsored walk which raised more than £4,000 in two weeks.
At the end of the walk last Saturday, Richard made a speech thanking the walkers and revealed that monies are still coming in which looks set to exceed the £30,000 mark.
Dave Jones, Vikki’s grandfather, thanked everyone who took part on the day and who have given a donation.
He said: “A highlight of the day was when Vikki arrived with her mum Jane to greet the walkers on their return, especially when she walked from her scooter to give grandmother Megan a big hug.”
Vikki has expressed her wish to spend as much time with her family, including husband Matthew, 25, whom she married in May.
Vikki, who first became unwell in February after suffering chest pains while trampolining with Amelie, said: “The walk was a huge success, so much more so than we could have dreamed of. Everybody completed the walk and they were all so proud that they’d done it. The youngest to do the climb was Amelie.
“I was well enough on the day to be able to meet them all at the bottom of the mountain. It was very emotional as I hadn’t seen some people since I left school 12 years ago. I
was so touched that after all this time they wanted to take part.”
Vikki added she hoped the walk would become an annual event.
To get involved visit www.justgiving.com/VPSnowdon or search for Vikki Purslow (MY BRAVE AND BEAUTIFUL WIFE) on social networking site Facebook.
By Charlotte Hester