Make strides for cancer care this October | News

Registration is now open for Royal Surrey Charity’s sponsored walk, Stride for Cancer Care, which returns for its second year on Sunday 1 October to support people living with cancer.

Sponsored by CBRE, the walk, which starts and finishes at Surrey Sports Park – opposite the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford – is raising vital funds to support world class care at St Luke’s Cancer Centre, which treats people from across Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire.

Helen Bullen and Eddie Sinden, 55 and 61 from Fetcham in Surrey, took part in last year’s Stride for Cancer Care to support the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust’s dedicated charity, after both receiving exceptional cancer care at St Luke’s.

Helen said:

“We wanted to raise money for the cancer centre because we have both been there – me, when I was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer in 2021 and Eddie, in 1989 when he was treated for testicular cancer.  

“The walk was quite hilly, but we managed it and it was fun – we’re hoping to do it in fancy dress this year to make it more of a challenge!”

As well as providing vital equipment, the charity supports the redevelopment and refurbishment of wards to ensure the environment is welcoming and comfortable for patients, funds groundbreaking research, and invests in staff wellbeing and development.

Helen, who recently published a book about her cancer journey, Agnes, Bea, Cancer and Me, added:

“It’s important to support NHS charities, like Royal Surrey Charity, because you just never know. We never thought we’d get cancer. We are so grateful and it feels good to have done something for someone else going through it now.

“It was a very simple thing to do – to take part in the walk and raise some money to give back. I can’t thank Chilworth Ward enough. It was brilliant; really awesome. If I had to go through it, that’s where I’d want to go through it (but I’m not coming back!).”

Registration for the walk is now live on the charity’s website, and offers a choice of distances (5km, 10km, 15km or 25km) – the new 5km shorter route is accessible and wheelchair and buggy-friendly. The registration fee (£20) includes a charity t-shirt and finisher’s medal.  

Sandy Lowry, Event Fundraising Manager at Royal Surrey Charity, said: “We are thrilled the walk is returning and thanks to our sponsors, CBRE, this year’s will be bigger and better, and will raise even more to support people living with cancer.  

“Last year’s event was a great success and we hope you’ll join us on Sunday 1 October to help make strides for cancer care – now and in the future.”

Who will you make strides for? For more information about Stride for Cancer Care and to sign up, visit: royalsurreycharity.org.uk/stride