By Press Release
A woman who is expecting to die in just a few months was represented by her next-door neighbour, as he took part in Walk the Wight – even though he has Leukaemia.
An American, Wendy Lohse, 42, of Bouldnor, was diagnosed with lung cancer, even though she has never smoked, and was given six months to live in January. Wendy, who has an eight-year-old son, Kroy, explained: “The cancer has gone to my brain and is throughout my body. I’m now struggling with mobility.
“My latest chemo looks to have stopped the spread and I’ve now been told I have another two months to live.”
Wendy worked as a school cook at Shalfleet Primary School and has reached the final of the national ‘School Chef of the Year’ three times. She added: “James, and his partner Liz, have been so supportive. Despite his illness, he did the flat part of the walk, so it was real challenge for him, but he’s been amazing and I’m so proud of him.
“Mountbatten is an amazing place and have really looked after me when I have been there.”
James, 68, has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), which is the most common leukaemia in adults. He said: “I did eight miles from Sandown to Chide and I was determined to do it, although I wasn’t too sure if I could!
“I got halfway to Merstone and had a break and the sun came out, so I carried on. I left about 8.30am and it took me three-and-a-half hours which I was pleased with.
“I’m so glad I did it for Wendy and I’ve raised £800 for Mountbatten.”
Wendy’s brother, Adrian, has set-up a Gofundme page with the money raised going into a trust for Kroy’s future education. He will be moving to join his uncle and his wife in America at their home near San Francisco in a couple of months time.
You can see the fundraising page at iow.life/wendylohse.
