COMMUNITY members helped raise hundreds of pounds of Brain Tumour Research by taking part in a Walk of Hope organised by an Ilminster woman.
Mum-of-three Katie Galan Wilkinson, 38, has been fundraising for the charity since she was diagnosed with a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma in 2019.
She has organised several Walks of Hope in Ilminster in recent years with her friend Natalie Wainwright.
Their event on Saturday, September 3 was the first without a need for people to take part in their Covid ‘bubbles’.
The two-mile walk from the Market House in Ilminster to Donyatt Village Hall also had activities for children and town and countryside scenery.
Walkers were able to choose from a morning or afternoon start and were greeted with a selection of delicious cakes and refreshments in Donyatt, with all proceeds going to the charity.
So far, £355 has been raised of Katie's initial £500 fundraising target, with online donations welcomed through a JustGiving page.
It has also helped raise awareness of brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.
After the event, Katie said: “The feedback was that the activities people could do on the walk were fun, and everyone seemed to enjoy their day.
“We had some leftover cakes because people were so generous, so some went to my children’s school today (Monday) to raise some more money.
“We had the posters up around Donyatt as well, and some people popped in to see what was going on, and that let gave me the chance to speak to them about the disease and raise awareness.”
Before the event, Mel Tiley, community and development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re grateful for Katie’s continued support and wish her well in her regular scans.
“One in three people know someone affected by a brain tumour and with the support of people such as Katie, we are determined to change this.”
To donate to the Ilminster Community Walk of Hope fundraiser for Brain Tumour Research, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ilminstercommunitywalkofhope2022.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here