My Story
AMY GORDON My Story This page was set up by Amy Gordon, an extraordinary Newquay lady in her early forties, who loved her family, her friends and life. On February 4, 2020 (ironically World Cancer Day) Amy was diagnosed with grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer. Following diagnosis, Amy wanted to live every day to the full; to challenge herself and to try to make a difference for future cancer patients. One test to her resolve was the 2021 Cancer Research UK cold water challenge which involved swimming every day throughout November. An experienced cold-water swimmer, Andrea Flannigan, joined Amy on this challenge at Newquay’s Towan Beach and when they smashed this daunting task Amy decided to start their own challenge – “Superhero in the Cold” – to benefit CRUK. Amy wanted others to crash through the surf to feel the adrenaline racing through their blood and know that their incredible efforts would contribute greatly to the research needed to save or improve the lives of people with cancer. Amy was so passionate about spreading awareness and raising funds for cancer research, she wanted “Superhero in the Cold” to become a national event, global even, as her legacy. And so it started. On November 20, 2022, startled but equally amused beachgoers witnessed the birth of “Superhero in the Cold”, as a gathering of ladies – and a few men – rushed into the Atlantic’s chilly waves dressed in their alter ego finery. Like the surf, the number of participating superheroes swelled for the 2023 event. On March 3 this year, Amy very sadly lost her hard-fought battle with this insidious disease, but her superhero sidekick, Andrea Flemming, is determined her friend’s aspirations will live on. So, please join Andrea and others on Towan Beach at 10am on November 17 to celebrate Amy’s life, her courage, her humour and determination. If you did not have the pleasure of knowing Amy, please attend to salute your very own superheroes. Should you not be able - or brave enough - to don a superhero costume and plunge into Atlantic’s autumn waves, please go along to Towan Beach, Newquay (TR7 1DU) and support those who can – you will be lifted by the energy, the unimaginable camaraderie and the dangerously high levels of laughter. The suggested donation is a fiver, or whatever you can afford, either via this fundraising page or cash dropped into the CRUK collecting buckets on the day. It is hoped even more caped crusaders will test their super-powers on November 17, 2024. You know it makes sense: 1 in 2 people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. If you would like to read Amy’s story, please go to https://www.facebook.com/survivingandsanity