Megan has taken on the Walk One Mile a Day October Challenge to honour the memory of three very important people in her life who were lost to lung cancer: her grandad, her dad, and her nanna.
“I’ve lost three very important people to me to lung cancer,” Megan explains. “I wanted to take on this challenge to do something meaningful in their memory and raise awareness for a cause that is so close to my heart.”
“It’s something that’s affected my family profoundly, and I want to help make a difference for others.”
Megan has found the challenge both enjoyable and rewarding. “I really enjoy the walk; it clears my head. Some days I walk with my partner and my little boy, which makes it even more special.” She reflects on the highs and lows: “The highlights are completing the mile—I feel so proud of myself. The lowlights are when the weather is rubbish!
Her biggest supporter throughout the challenge? Her little boy. “He motivates me every day,” Megan shares.
Through this challenge, Megan has discovered a lot about herself: “I’ve realised that I will do anything to raise money and help other people. It’s shown me what I’m capable of when it comes to supporting others.”
Raising awareness and challenging misconceptions
Megan hopes her story will shine a light on the misconceptions surrounding lung cancer. “When my dad went to A&E with chest pain, they assumed it was anxiety because he had lost his wife five months earlier. Only after we insisted on a chest X-ray did they find a shadow.” She emphasises, “If you feel anything different in your body, please get checked out—it could save your life.”
Megan only recently discovered Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, but she’s already seen its importance. “I never actually knew about it until last month, but I’m so grateful for the work they do.”
Megan’s message to others
“I’ve lost three very important people—my dad Brian Turner (58, 2023), my grandad Terry Turner (57, 2002), and my nanna Jacqueline Turner (82, 2025). They all died very quickly, within months of diagnosis. Please, get checked out if you notice even the slightest change—it could save your life.”
Hope and the future
Hope, for Megan, means continuing to raise awareness and support others: “I will continue to spread the word about this charity and help anyone who needs it.” Despite living with heart failure due to a sudden cardiac arrest, her priority is being the best parent she can be.
Megan has already raised nearly £500 and is running a raffle to further support the cause. “I’m doing this for my Turner family. I miss and love you every day of my life.”