Betsy, from Maidenbower in West Sussex, took on our Walk 31 Miles in March challenge, choosing to fundraise for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation after her own unexpected lung cancer diagnosis and treatment journey.
An unexpected discovery through lung cancer screening
For several years, Betsy had been part of the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme, attending annual CT scans in mobile units based in supermarket car parks. It was during one of these routine screenings that a small nodule was first identified on her right lung. At the time, she was reassured that there was nothing to be overly concerned about.
That reassurance changed last August, when she was told the nodule had grown. Further tests followed, including a PET CT scan, lung function tests and a biopsy. Then, at the beginning of October, came the words she had never expected to hear: “You have lung cancer.”
Betsy remembers the moment clearly. She had gone to the appointment alone, not anticipating bad news. Instead, she was told she would need robot-assisted surgery to remove the upper portion of her right lung. She left the hospital in shock, trying to process what had just changed.
Surgery and recovery
In November, Betsy underwent surgery. Thanks to her surgical team, the cancer was successfully removed, and all lymph nodes were clear. The words she will never forget followed soon after: “You don’t have cancer any more.”
Recovery has not been without its challenges. Betsy still experiences some rib pain due to nerve damage and occasional breathlessness, but she remains focused on what she has gained rather than lost: she no longer has cancer.
Throughout her journey, Betsy has been supported by family and friends, who she describes as incredible, showing her clearly who she can rely on during difficult times.
Finding strength in walking
Since her diagnosis and treatment, Betsy says her outlook on life has changed. She now finds joy in the small, everyday moments, from spring flowers opening to blue skies and even stormy weather. Walking has become an important part of her recovery, helping both her physical health and mental well-being.
Taking on Walk 31 Miles in March
It was through Facebook that Betsy first came across the Walk 31 Miles in March challenge. After learning more about Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, she decided to take part, setting up a JustGiving page and sharing her story publicly.
The response has been overwhelming. With an initial target of £100, Betsy has now raised £776, supported by friends, family and wider connections, moved by her journey.
She has also embraced the challenge itself, walking far beyond the original goal and completing over 65 miles in March alone. What began as a fundraising challenge has become something more personal, a daily routine that she has grown to love.
Community and connection
Betsy has also found real value in being part of the 31 Miles in March community, where she has connected with others affected by lung cancer and found encouragement along the way. A simple request for song suggestions for her walking playlist led to an outpouring of support, new music for her walks, and further donations.
Looking ahead
For Betsy, one of the most unexpected outcomes has been how much she enjoys walking. It has become something she plans to continue long after the challenge ends, helping her feel stronger, healthier and more positive about the future.
She often takes photos along her walks, especially of plants and flowers, capturing the moments that now mean so much more to her.
A message of thanks
Reflecting on her experience, Betsy describes the challenge as something she would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone affected by cancer, whether personally or through a loved one. For her, it has been a positive and empowering experience during a very difficult chapter of her life.
Above all, Betsy is deeply grateful to the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme. Without it, her cancer would not have been detected so early, as she had no symptoms at all. She describes it as an incredible initiative that can save lives through early diagnosis, and strongly encourages anyone invited for screening to attend.
“It really can make all the difference,” she says.