Warrington cancer patient Trish says ‘If I can do it anyone can’ after raising thousands in walk for Clatterbridge

A Warrington cancer patient has spoken of her pride at raising more than £4,500 to say thank you to the hospital that has cared for her during cancer treatment.

Trish Powell, from Thelwall, took part in the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity Glow Green Night Walk despite having recently had her second hip replacement.

Trish, 70, completed the walk with her friend Judy Woolvine and said:

“If I can do it anyone can!”

Now she is encouraging others to take part in the Charity’s next Glow Green Night Walk in Chester on 27^th February.

The mum of two was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in May 2021.

She was treated at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre with both immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

She said:

“My treatment is the stuff of science fiction – but is now a reality thanks to amazing research, including that carried out at Clatterbridge. It really has changed the outlook for metastatic melanoma patients and, to be blunt, is the reason I’m still here after nearly five years.”

On top of her ongoing care, Trish recently had her second hip replacement but that didn’t stop her joining in the fun at the Glow Green Night Walk in Liverpool, a 7k fun event in the city passing by major landmarks lit up in green for the occasion.

Around 1000 people took part to raise money for people with cancer in Cheshire and Merseyside.

She said:

“To celebrate the bionic me and to do something positive to express my gratitude I wanted to support the research which Clatterbridge carries out. It’s life- saving and is transforming cancer treatment for generations to come.”

Her friend Judy Woolvine took part to support Trish, and to walk in memory of both her sister and several close friends.

Trish added: “It was a brilliant atmosphere in a gorgeous city, and there were such friendly fellow walkers and really helpful marshals.

“The walk raises funds for an incredible local charity and it’s so very emotional – everyone is walking for someone. The people taking part were overwhelmingly friendly and it was very moving to talk to some of them along the way, discovering their stories and hearing about the family and friends they are walking to support or in memory of. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

Trish loved seeing city landmarks like the Royal Liver Buildings, Beatles Story, St George’s Hall, and the Town Hall lit up in green to honour the walkers and everyone effected by cancer.

She added:

“I loved the choirs lining the route, the taxi drivers beeping their support, the journey home on the train in full luminous green wig and tutu – but the absolute best part was reaching the lanterns on the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Each one was so personal, and it was an incredibly moving experience.”

The lantern display is a moment for walker to pause and reflect. All walkers can dedicate a special lantern to a loved one or to say thank you to Clatterbridge.

The Charity is hosting a second walk, this time in Chester on Friday 27^th February at 7.30pm. Again, city landmarks will be lit green for the evening and the lantern display will take place in the Roman Gardens.

Trish said:

“I would say to people ‘Just do it’. It will be one of the best nights of your life! I hadn’t done anything like it since my schooldays well over 50 years ago but I’d do it again tomorrow.

“I’ve just turned 70 and am a mum of two with stage 4 cancer and two new hips – if I can do it anyone can.”

And how did Trish recover from the walk?

She laughed:

“I had no ill effects from the hips – though I did have a restful Sunday watching the Olympics. Who knew curling could be so addictive?”

Clatterbridge Cancer Charity is the only dedicated charity fundraising for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool, Wirral and Aintree and at a network of clinics around Cheshire and Merseyside.

Generous supporters like Trish help fund research into new treatments, the latest in technology, arts and music activities for patients, and much more.

You can sponsor Trish here.

If you would like to take part in Glow Green Night Walk Chester on Friday 27^th February, you can enter here.

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