When Donna was scrolling through Facebook one evening, she wasn’t expecting to find something that would reconnect her with two of the most important people in her life. But when the Walk One Mile a Day in October challenge for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation appeared on her feed, she instantly felt compelled to take part “for My Dad and Amy”.
Walking for Her Dad and Amy
“Without any hesitation I clicked on the link and signed up,” Donna said. “I thought it was a great opportunity to do something in memory of my dad, Don, who lost his battle to lung cancer in December 2013. It was also a way to raise awareness that not everyone with the disease passes away from it.”
That message is especially close to Donna’s heart because of her sister-in-law, Amy. “I got in touch with my sister-in-law and asked if I could include her story on my JustGiving page,” she explained. “Amy was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015. She fought it bravely and has just reached 10 years since her diagnosis. As a family, we’re truly grateful that Amy has made a full recovery, lives life to the fullest, and now has her own family.”
Though it’s been more than a decade since her dad passed away, Donna still thinks about him every day. “There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think of my dad,” she said. “But I look back and feel lucky for the time we had together. He had a good 15 months and was able to go out on his scooter and enjoy life right up until the last couple of weeks.”
Finding Time and Meaning in Every Mile
After signing up for the challenge, Donna had to figure out how to fit her daily mile into a busy routine. “I can cover a mile easily through my everyday duties,” she said, “but I really wanted to make every step count. So, I decided I’d make time each morning before work, family, and the usual chaos of the day began.”
At first, it wasn’t easy. “The dark mornings and the warmth of being snuggled under the duvet didn’t help,” Donna laughed. “But to my surprise, I soon adapted. There have been mornings when I’ve been up before my alarm, really looking forward to getting out and about. Don’t get me wrong—some days, especially when it’s been wet, I’ve struggled. But I just stop and think how lucky I am to be able to get up and walk, to see the sunrise and the start of a new day.”
One morning stands out in particular. “There was one Sunday when I felt like Forrest Gump—I just kept walking and walking,” she said. “I was enjoying being outside so much that I didn’t want to stop.”
For Donna, the challenge has been about more than just walking—it’s been about reflection, gratitude, and connection. “It’s really made me stop and look at the lovely things around me,” she said. “I’ve loved seeing the sunrise and those peaceful, early moments when a new day begins. It’s made me appreciate how lucky I am to have the capacity to walk and enjoy it.”
The Power of Community and Connection
Donna has also found huge comfort and motivation from others taking part. “The Facebook group for the challenge has been amazing,” she said. “Reading other people’s stories and seeing their journeys has been so touching. The support everyone gives each other is incredible—there’s so much kindness and love within the group. Together, we’re raising vital funds and helping more people understand that lung cancer can affect anyone.”
So far, Donna has raised more than £300 and is touched by the generosity and encouragement she’s received. “I’ve had some lovely messages, and the donations just keep coming in,” she said. “I’m truly grateful to everyone who has supported me. Every pound means so much—and every mile is for my dad and Amy.”
You can support Donna’s fundraiser here.