Friends set for 106km hike around the Isle of Wight for charity

On the 4th and 5th May 2024, friends Helen Fuge and Katy Hildyard will embark on a 106km walk with over 1,800 meters of climb around the Isle of Wight to raise vital funds for The Brain Tumour Charity. This walk, the greatest challenge the pair have ever undertaken, is a personal mission to help advance research towards finding a cure for brain tumours.

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In August 2023, just a month after her 40th birthday, Helen and Katy's friend Vicki Burgess - a much loved local primary school teacher - received the devastating news of a Grade 4 midline glioma diagnosis. Despite the immense challenges she faces, Vicki's strength, positivity, and generous spirit inspire everyone around her.

What makes this walk even more poignant is the personal connection between the friends and the Isle of Wight. Vicki has thoroughly enjoyed living by sea overlooking the Isle of Wight for almost her whole life, and as a teenager she shared many memorable day trips to the island with Katy, which is why it felt like the right location for this challenge.

"We are walking for Vicki and all the brave souls and their loved ones facing the profound impact of a terminal brain tumour diagnosis," said Katy. "Our goal is to raise awareness about brain tumours and contribute to the invaluable work of The Brain Tumour Charity, which has provided unwavering support to Vicki, and for this we are beyond grateful."

From left to right: Helen Fuge and Katy Hildyard

The duo invites the local community to support their mission by donating to their fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/katy-hildyard-kick-cancers-butt

To learn more about Vicki's story, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/vicki-burgess-1000