A newlywed from Essex has raised more than £3,700 for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation after completing a challenging ascent of Snowdon in honour of her husband, Kenny, who was diagnosed with ROS1-positive lung cancer at just 33 years old.
Despite having never completed a major hike before, 29-year-old Jessica Potts took on the mountain last summer, determined to raise awareness of lung cancer in younger people and support the charity that helped her and her husband navigate his diagnosis.
A shock diagnosis
Kenny first developed a persistent cough in September 2024. Because of his age and overall good health, his symptoms were initially attributed to chest infections. Between January and March, he lost more than 25kg — yet concerns continued to be dismissed.
“It was six months of going back and forth,” Jessica said. “They just didn’t take him seriously because of his age.”
Eventually, Kenny was diagnosed with ROS1-positive lung cancer, a rare and aggressive genetic mutation. The couple were given Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation information booklets in hospital — something Jessica says made a significant difference during an overwhelming time.
“The leaflets were so informative. Kenny didn’t want to read them, but I did. They helped me understand the mutation and what we were facing.”
The charity provided information both about lung cancer generally and about specific genetic mutations, including ROS1. For Jessica, having clear, accessible information helped her prepare for what lay ahead and better understand Kenny’s treatment options, including a research trial he later joined.
In October, a scan showed promising results, giving the couple a glimmer of hope. But just weeks later, Kenny suffered a minor stroke. In December, he had a major stroke and tragically passed away shortly before Christmas.
“It’s surreal how quickly everything changed,” Jessica said. “But I’m grateful he’s not suffering. He was so poorly when he was first diagnosed — to see someone so young that ill is incredibly hard.”
A climb with meaning
Jessica and Kenny had married just two weeks before the climb. Snowdon had been carefully chosen.
“People say it really challenges your lungs,” she said. “I wanted something that symbolised what Kenny was going through.”
If there had been an emergency, she wanted to be able to get home quickly, so travelling to Wales felt manageable. It was also a challenge that pushed her physically and emotionally.
She completed the trek alongside her best friend, Erica, as part of a guided group. They took the Rangers Path on the way up and battled 45mph winds, rain and near-zero visibility during the 7½-hour hike.
“At one point, our guide said he wasn’t sure we could get to the top because of the weather. I just said, ‘I can’t go to the top.’ I wasn’t going to get halfway and stop.”
When she finally reached the summit, the emotion overwhelmed her.
“I cried at the top — not from exhaustion, but from what it meant. It was for Kenny. It was for us.”
Despite sore feet, a blackened toenail and days of aching muscles afterwards, Jessica says she would encourage anyone considering a fundraising challenge to take the leap.
“You can train, you can prepare — but actually doing it is a completely different emotion. Everyone there had their own reason. It was so inspiring.”
Raising vital funds
Through sharing her story on social media and with colleagues, Jessica raised more than £3,700 to support Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation’s work in research, information and support.
“My advice to anyone fundraising is to keep sharing it. Even £5 helps — it all adds up. People might get fed up of seeing it, but just keep going.”
Her colleagues also donated personally, helping her exceed her original target.
The funds raised will help ensure more families receive trusted information at the point of diagnosis, support research into genetic mutations such as ROS1, and improve outcomes for people affected by lung cancer.
A message of awareness
Jessica is now passionate about raising awareness of lung cancer symptoms — particularly in younger adults.
“You never think lung cancer when someone is young and healthy. But it can happen to anyone.”
She knows first-hand how assumptions about age can delay diagnosis. Her experience, alongside losing her grandfather to lung cancer several years ago, has strengthened her determination to speak out.
In the months since Kenny’s death, Jessica has also connected with other young widows, offering support and sharing practical advice — including information about bereavement support that many people are unaware of.
“Until you’ve lost a partner, it’s different from losing anyone else. If I can offer someone an ear or help them find information, that’s important.”
Through her climb, her fundraising and her ongoing advocacy, Jessica has turned unimaginable heartbreak into action — ensuring that Kenny’s legacy lives on in every person her story.
Want to take on your own challenge for a loved one? Check out our Snowdon Adventure Challenge.