Liverpool pub owner takes on Clatterbridge’s Glow Green Night Walk after treatment

A Liverpool businesswoman, is celebrating the end of her cancer treatment by taking on the Glow Green Night Walk, raising funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

Fiona Hornsby, who co-owns three popular Liverpool pubs with her husband Dominic, is stepping up to give back to the hospital that cared for her after her diagnosis in December 2023.

Following surgeries, including a hysterectomy and the removal of lymph nodes from her groin, Fiona is back at work, enjoying watching her beloved Everton and preparing for the 8km Glow Green Night Walk.

She said: “As well as wanting to say thank you to Clatterbridge and give something back, this walk is a big aim for me to start getting back to fitness now my latest scans have shown no recurrence of my cancer.

“It might by 8 kilometres but to me it will be like a marathon. It is giving me a reason to get moving and getting my fitness back after 14 months of surgery and treatment.”

Fiona started to notice symptoms of her condition in late 2023, and following an appointment with her GP was referred to Liverpool Women’s Hospital. A biopsy quickly followed, and a diagnosis of vulva cancer.

Surgery was followed by a course of radiotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool, where she was overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion of staff.

Her big aim of the summer was to attend the Taylor Swift concert at Anfield with her goddaughter and other family members and friends.

Fiona said: “Nothing was going to stop me from going to the gig with her. The staff in radiotherapy were so kind. They made sure I had an early appointment, so I had time to rest before the concert. 

“That was just one example of how good everyone at the hospital was. There was such kindness and empathy.”

As well as the team at Clatterbridge, Fiona was helped through her cancer diagnosis and treatment by what she calls “a small village” around her.

Husband Dominic, friends, family and customers in the couple’s pubs, The Bridewell, Denbigh Castle and newly acquired Pen Factory, kept her going through even the toughest of times.

She said: “At first, I didn’t want to tell people about my diagnosis but slowly I did and so many people helped in different ways. People to listen, people to talk to, people to make me laugh.

“We called it an adventure. I met people I wouldn’t have met, people I didn’t know, and we did things we didn’t think we could do.

“I was never one for wearing dresses, but it made it easier for treatment, so I had to go out and buy dresses – but made sure I had matching trainers and always had my make up on.

“When we go out I have to make sure I can have a comfortable seat, no hard wooden benches for example. So, there are things I have had to change.

“But I would say to anyone facing the same situation to look at it like an adventure. You don’t know where the adventure will take you.”

For now, Fiona is focused on the walk which she and Dominic will do together with some friends, before celebrating the achievement back at the Denbigh Castle.

Fiona joked: “I have spent most of the last 14 months lying down, I am looking forward to getting out and walking and then maybe a party back at the pub.”

The Glow Green night walk, sponsored by Arriva, takes place on Friday 7^th February. The start line is at The Museum of Liverpool on the historic waterfront, with walkers gathering from 6pm to register and enjoy the pre-event entertainment.

The walk starts at 7.30pm and takes participants past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, many lit green for the event, including the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool One, both cathedrals, St George’s Hall and of course The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool.

There is a pause for reflection on the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral where walkers can dedicate a lantern to a loved one.

Entry costs £20 which covers the cost of the walk and entrants are encouraged to fundraise through sponsorship. Lanterns can be bought for £5.

Arriva is providing free bus travel for all walkers in the shape of a day pass. You can get discounted parking at Q Park Liverpool One. All details come with the entry pack that can be collected at the charity’s offices at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Wirral.

Find out more about Glow Green and register here.

More of the latest news across Liverpool City Region here.