Wightlink support Helen’s Island ‘awareness’ walk

 

Former nurse Helen Hunter from Southsea has embarked on a 67-mile walk around the Isle of Wight’s coastline despite suffering from lymphoedema. She had to give up work when she developed the condition following successful treatment for cancer of the womb.

Helen and her husband Dave are walking to raise money for the Lymphoedema Support Network and increase awareness of the long-term condition that’s thought to affect around 200,000 people in the UK.

Helen said: “This is a personal challenge. I find walking painful because lymphoedema causes swelling in my legs, but I’m determined to complete the trek to highlight the disease. Many doctors haven’t heard of it and it is often mis-diagnosed. It can be treated but there isn’t a cure.”

Wightlink gave the couple free travel to support them in their endeavours. Wightlink’s Chief Executive Keith Greenfield, said: “We are very impressed with Helen’s bravery and were delighted to support her and Dave on their coastal walk. We are sure their efforts will inform many people about lymphoedema.”

The Hunters are staying in a hotel on the Isle of Wight and setting out by bus each day to complete each stage of the walk.

Helen’s fundraising page is: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helen-hunter58