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Fi's Story

 

Fi Walker.  29 March 1992 - 27 November 2011

On 27 November 2011, after 18 months of struggling against the advance of cancer, our dear friend Fi passed away.  She was so brave right till the end of her life and died peacefully at home surrounded by her family.  Fi made a huge impression on so many people in her short life and we are all the better for having known and loved her.  The Highlands and Islands Challenge is dedicated to her memory.

 

Fi’s illness started in Spring 2010 in her last term at school, she became aware of a slight numbness in her left leg. Over the ensuing months the numbness spread and she lost strength in both her legs. She had lots of tests and in time scans showed an abnormality in her spinal cord. It was not until there was evidence of a growth on the outer part of the cord that a biopsy could be safely conducted in early 2011. This confirmed that Fi had a malignant tumour. Radiotherapy then chemotherapy followed but sadly the tumour has continued to spread further up her spine. In September 2011, she started a new course of chemotherapy using a different cocktail of drugs and further radiotherapy may also be considered.

 

 Through all the anger, frustration and tears, Fi earned the respect of all her friends and family in how she dealt with this dreadful disease. She had a consistent flow of bad medical news but continued to fight her corner with great bravery. She was very excited to see all the donations that Jock and Iona are getting for their big challenge and we hope with your support that we can make a difference to others who are in the same situation and that we "do Fi proud "

 

The Challenge

 

We will start in Ardgay and cycle to Oban (145 miles).

From there we will take on the Adults Scottish Islands Peaks Race route.

Which is, run 23 miles over Ben More on Mull, sail to Jura and run the 14 miles over the 3 Paps and sail to Arran
for the final 18 mile leg.