South West Coast Path challenge to honour Cdr Amy Gilmore

Friends, family, and colleagues of Cdr Amy Gilmore MBE have set out to complete her long-held ambition of traversing the South West Coast Path.

Cdr Gilmore planned to walk the route to raise funds for charity, but was unable to finish it before she died in July 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Surg Cdr Rachael Booth said: "The challenge was originally inspired by efforts to fund Amy's Enhertu treatment, recommended through 'Make 2nds Count,' and the idea of completing the South West Coastal Path for Amy has never really left me.

"We are now taking on the challenge in her memory and on her behalf.

"By bringing people together through friendship, laughter, and resilience, we hope to channel our grief into something positive while capturing the spirit of #BeMoreAmy."

The challenge will begin on Saturday, May 16, at 8am, with teams starting a 68-leg relay from Shell Bay in Studland.

The challenge is expected to conclude on Saturday, May 23, at about 2pm on Minehead seafront.

Cdr Gilmore planned the walk after losing her father, intending to take a sabbatical to complete it for charity.

During her cancer treatment, she found strength in walking or running sections of the path.

The event is raising funds for three charities that supported Cdr Gilmore and her family in the final months of her life, with donations being welcomed at justgiving.com/team/bemoreamy.

Cdr Gilmore's walking poles are being carried along the route as a baton.

Cdr Anna Misiak, who will complete the final leg with members of Cdr Gilmore's family, said: "Amy was an inspirational lady who never failed to take on a challenge and succeed.

"This is our way of honouring Amy whilst taking her with us in the form of her walking poles as relay batons.

"We are overwhelmed by the level of support we have received to date and hope the challenge inspires other people to believe they can do more than they can."