Previous patient Gemma says ‘thank you’ to Clatterbridge by raising money for its Glow Green Night Walk

In August last year, 29-year-old Gemma Jones from Pensby was given the news that she had ovarian cancer.

While it was a real shock to Gemma and her family, she was receiving the best care possible within a week of her diagnosis, at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. 

Now, following months of chemotherapy, Gemma and her family are coming together to say thank you, at Clatterbridge Cancer Charity’s Glow Green Night Walk in Liverpool City Centre on Friday 3 February. 

They’ll join 1,000 other walkers, to mark World Cancer Day in the city and raise money for the Charity. While many will walk to remember or celebrate a life, the event will see lots of families like Gemma’s take to the streets, to say thank you for the incredible care that The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre provides. 

Gemma says “I’d just started work as a Nursery Practitioner at Birkenhead School in June 2022, then in August after some scans and tests, I was told I had cancer. A week after, I was at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool receiving intense chemotherapy for 12-hours a day. I’d spend five days at a time in hospital receiving four rounds of chemotherapy, but ending up spending more time there in between rounds too. 

I can’t thank the staff at Clatterbridge enough, throughout the hospital – but especially on Ward 3, the team are amazing. Nothing was too much trouble. They supported me and my family so much.” 

Gemma – who has now completed chemotherapy and is awaiting surgery – has a massive team behind her as they take on Glow Green for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. Walking with her will be her parents Jenny & Bryn, her sisters with their partners, her auntie and uncle along with many of their friends, the team are looking forward to the big night. They’ve already raised a massive £1500! 

Gemma added “Clatterbridge has always had a special place in our family but even more so since I was diagnosed with cancer. Now I’ve seen first-hand how donations are used to help others, I am forever grateful for the charity & the hospital.” 

“I’d urge anyone thinking of taking part to sign up! Clatterbridge has supported and cared for so many people – past, present and future. Glow Green is a great event to do with friends & family, as well as raise some money for a truly special place.” 

Right across the city and beyond, buildings will light up green, to show their support and light the way for the walkers who will set off from the Museum of Liverpool before taking in some of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks.  There will be time to pause and reflect too, as hundreds of lanterns will be displayed on the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Head of Charity, Katrina Bury said:

“I’d like to thank Gemma and her family for taking part. We are so grateful for their support and the incredible amount they’ve raised so far.”

“I’d like to say thank you to everybody involved, including our sponsors; Regatta Outdoors, Laing O’Rourke and Roofcare for making Glow Green possible. 

It’s going to be a very powerful sight to see a wave of colour across the City, for one night only, in support of local people with cancer” 

Joining the Charity, is also Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek. The BBC Morning Live presenter will be cheering on walkers at the start line! 

There are just a few days left to sign up to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Charity’s Glow Green Night Walk – click here for more information. You can sponsor Team Gemz here.