‘In memory of my Norman’

72-year-old Pat Crossley, who is well known for her charity work for the MS Society and the RNLI, is in training for the Cancer Research UK Shine Night Walk 2014 which is a sponsored walk past London’s most iconic landmarks.

The Shine Night walk participants wear bright colours, lights and glow sticks as they cover the 13 mile route, passing landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Big Ben.

So how did this already busy lady become involved in such a strenuous fundraiser?

Pat explained: “My daughter Adrienne sent me an mail recently to see if I was interested in doing a half marathon Shine Night Walk round central London for Cancer Research.

“To say I was gob smacked was an understatement, never having walked 13 miles in my life!

“I also had foot surgery in January and was still walking with a stick in May so it was difficult.

“However this is my late husband’s tenth anniversary who died from cancer and the walk is on September 27th, the day before what would have been our 48th wedding anniversary, so how could I refuse?

“I’m doing the walk in Norman’s memory, and in memory of my only brother Ian, and so many friends who have also died from the disease. But even more importantly it’s to ensure research into the disease continues for those who are at presently cancer sufferers and in appreciation for research that has made many cancer survivors.

“I am up to eight miles now but I’m sure the adrenalin on the night will get me through and it will be special doing it with Adrienne,” added Pat.