Nell's News

JUNE 2012

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations: Scafell Pike, Monday 4th June 2012

I was asked to take part in a charity walk, in support of Cancer Research UK, to the Peak of Scafell Pike in the Lake District National Park.

It was part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Four charities were asked on behalf of Buckingham Palace, to light a beacon at the four highest peaks in the UK.

Cancer Research UK were to light their 'Beacon of Hope' at 10.29pm, one minute before the Queen would light her beacon in London.

I was honoured to be walking with many survivors of cancer including Alice Roythorne, Beverley Hicks and Findlay Young who gave an emotional speech before the climb. Radio 2 DJ Bob Harris OBE, himself a survivor of cancer, managed to climb up Scafell Pike but suffered an injury just before reaching the peak. I was really concerned for him on the way back down as we were descending in the dark. He was helped to the bottom by the fantastic rescue team and I hope he is recovering well. Other walkers were supporters of Cancer Research UK including James Chadney and the Chief Executive of the charity, Dr Harpal Kumar.

On arriving back at base at almost 2am, my mum and dad were there to greet me. I was really pleased to see them. We devoured a fried egg sandwich and headed off home, completely shattered!

Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity. It is funded entirely by the public. The charity continue to raise awareness about early diagnosis of cancer and to raise awareness of the millions of survivors and the scientists, doctors and nurses involved.