Natalie's Giving Page

My Story

In September 2018, aged 24 I was diagnosed with melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, just one day before I was supposed to do this marathon walk last year. On November 6th I was in surgery and in December discovered it was actually stage 3 rather than the suspected stage 1. I was straight in for scans to check it was not stage 4 which as you can imagine was completely terrifying. However, luckily it had not got any further and I was given the all clear just a few days before Christmas. It has been a rollercoaster but I am incredibly relieved to say that in June 2019 I have been given 6 months all clear! When I signed up for this walk, I was doing it in memory of my grandad and nan who both died of cancer 12 years ago and all the amazing survivors that I know. I am absolutely still doing that but now with an added story! The walk is exactly a year since I was diagnosed so will be an emotional one but I will have some of the best people I know right by my side, just as they have been throughout my journey so far. My surgery was on my left leg and groin so a marathon walk with two 10 month old scars could be my biggest challenge yet- bring it on! Anything you can give would be great as without the incredible research I would have been straight into a second major surgery which (fingers crossed) I have not yet needed and hopefully never will! Thank you :) xxxxx