Family and friends of Hebburn woman walk 16 miles to Durham Cathedral in her memory
A group of over 30 family and friends walked 16 miles from Hebburn to Durham Cathedral in memory of Heather Winthrop.
More than 30 family members and friends of a Hebburn woman are walked 16 miles to Durham Cathedral to light a candle in her memory and raised £7,500 for a South Tyneside charity.
Heather Winthrop sadly died from cancer earlier this year after living with the illness for 21 years and during her life, benefitted from charity Cancer Connections.
Cancer Connections is dedicated to helping individuals and families who are suffering from cancer and its after-effects.
The charity looks to provide emotional and practical help that many people need when trying to return to “normal life” after cancer.
Heather’s family and friends said she was passionate about ensuring that others living with cancer, and their families and friends, received the help they needed.
She also helped to raise money for cancer services, including the chemotherapy unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Macmillan and Cancer Connections.
The group set off on their trek from Heather’s Hebburn home at 8am on Saturday, September 19, and in total they have raised £7,500 for the charity, with donations still coming in.
“It was worth all of the aches and pains.”
Heather’s family said: “It was such an amazing day with participants young and old coming together.
“We had drivers tooting their horns in support and people stopping cars to put money in our buckets or tap out just giving QR code. It was worth all of the aches and pains.”
Heather spent years as an advocate for cancer care and was a supporter to fellow cancer survivors despite her own battle.
Speaking ahead of the walk, Heather’s family said: “Heather never allowed cancer to define her.
“For 21 years she showed incredible courage, compassion and determination, always finding the strength to support other people even while facing her own challenges.
“Cancer Connections meant so much to Heather because she had experienced their support herself.
“This walk is our way of celebrating her life and continuing something that was incredibly important to her - helping others affected by cancer.
“Lighting the candle at Durham Cathedral will be a very emotional moment.
“It will be for Heather, but also for everyone living with cancer, those who have survived it and those who have lost someone they love.
“Every mile, every step and every donation will be made in Heather’s memory.”
You can donate to the charity walk at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/heatherwinthrop.