When Sarah Thomson laces up her walking shoes each morning, she isn’t just taking a stroll — she’s walking in memory of two people who meant the world to her. This October, Sarah is taking on the Walk One Mile a Day Challenge for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, taking every step for them: her best friend and her grandad, both of whom she lost to lung cancer.
Every step for them
“I lost my best friend during the pandemic to lung cancer, and my grandad in 2009,” Sarah says. “I wanted to do it for them. I would like to think my effort will help others with the disease to live an easier life.”
The decision to take part was personal, but also practical. After being out of work for some time, Sarah admits, “Selfishly, I knew it would look good on my CV as I’ve been out of work for a while.” Still, her motivation is rooted deeply in love and remembrance — a way to keep her friend and grandad’s memories alive with every step.
So far, Sarah has found the challenge both enjoyable and uplifting. “I have enjoyed the challenge as I love walking and people have been very generous,” she says. “I am looking forward to a few days’ break at the end though — lol!”
Her friends and family have been by her side throughout, offering encouragement and donations. “My friends and family have all donated and been a great support,” she says gratefully.
For Sarah, each day’s walk brings a small but powerful sense of achievement. “I love returning home knowing I’ve completed another day of the challenge,” she says. “That’s my highlight. The lowlight is that at the end, I’ll have to just start walking for myself again — lol.”
Through the experience, Sarah says she’s been reminded of her own resilience. “Nothing new, except I know I can do hard things when I put my mind to it,” she reflects. “I never thought I’d raise as much as I have, so I’m feeling quite proud.”
Learning about the cause
Before joining the challenge, Sarah admits she hadn’t heard of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. “I never heard of you before the challenge,” she says honestly. “I am not sure if my friend had your support, but I really think it’s great there is a charity specifically for lung cancer patients.”
Her fundraising efforts have already raised £130 of her £150 target — a sum she hopes will help others facing the disease. But beyond the donations, Sarah’s message is one of compassion and urgency. “It can happen to anyone,” she says. “None of us are immune. Spend as much time with your loved ones as you can.”
Asked what she hopes readers take from her story, Sarah’s answer is simple yet profound: “If something is close to your heart, it’s worth putting the effort in. If someone is close to your heart, it’s worth putting the effort in. Don’t leave it till it’s too late.”
For Sarah, hope looks like a future where lung cancer is no longer a life sentence. “Hope is a cure for lung cancer,” she says. “Or at least that people can live a more fulfilled life without the illness being so debilitating.”
And as October draws to a close, Sarah continues her final few miles with one thought in mind: “I just want to make my friend and my grandad proud.”
You can support Sarah’s fundraiser here.