A 78-year-old woman has started a walking challenge for a charity close to her heart.
Eileen Wright, of Icklingham, near Mildenhall and Bury St Edmunds, has already completed five miles of her Walk 62 Miles Challenge in January for Cancer Research UK.
Eileen’s granddaughter Kiki Wright was recently given the all clear following a battle with a rare bone cancer which included 14 chemotherapy sessions over the space of nine months.
Eileen Wright has begun her Walk 62 Miles challenge in January for Cancer Research UK. Pictures: Eileen Wright
Kiki’s battle with cancer is one of the factors that inspired Eileen to take up the 62 Miles Challenge.
Eileen also lost her friend Lena, who lived in Mildenhall, to cancer last month.
“I was so pleased for Kiki as it is a miracle honestly how she recovered and I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” she said.
Eileen’s granddaughter Kiki was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at the start of 2024
“It’s been an incredibly rough year for her and I’m still emotional about it. I’m very proud of it and she’s been so brave.
“Lena was only 59. She was such a lovely, bubbly lady and everyone who knew her, knew how vibrant and warm she was.
“We have to support this charity as everyone knows somebody that is fighting cancer – it’s such a horrible thing.”
Eileen lives in Icklingham
Eileen lost her husband Alan to cancer a few years ago after they had been married for 52 years.
She has set a target of £100 on her fund-raiser and is only £30 off reaching her target.
“I’m going to push myself for this challenge as walking is quite difficult for me,” Eileen said.
“I do have health problems but I am a fighter and I do like to challenge myself so I know I’m going to do it. I’ve even given up drinking.
“I’ve done five miles now and it’s going alright so far.”