Kizzie's Step Challenge journey
22 April 2021
Just two weeks after she lost her mum to ovarian cancer, Kizzie decided to take part in our Walk In Her Name Step Challenge. Together with friends and family she raised a whopping £3,176, reaching the top of our fundraising leader board. Now, she reflects on her experience and what it meant to her to take part.
Our beautiful mum, Kim, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the spring of 2019. After receiving chemotherapy and having a full hysterectomy, she was given the all clear in March 2020. We were over the moon, it meant that Mum could continue with her life again. However, only three months later, she was informed that the cancer had returned. She remained strong, but after her third round of chemotherapy she became so ill and weak. Mum was sadly taken away from us on 14th February 2021, Valentine’s Day. Our hearts broke. We couldn't believe that this was actually happening. It didn't feel real, and it still doesn't now, but we know that it is.
Mum was so strong and positive throughout everything, and never moaned once. She always had a beautiful smile that lit up the room and continued to make everyone laugh. She always told us to 'just keep smiling', and that is what we will continue to do. Kim was the best mum, wife, nanny, and friend that we could all wish for. She was a once in a life time person, you wouldn't ever meet anyone else like her! She gave and received love by the bucketful. We miss her like crazy, but we know that she is always with us in everything that we do, and is watching over us smiling.
"It really helped my mental health by doing that bit of exercise and clearing my head"
Kizzie
Now I want to do everything I can to support Ovarian Cancer Action, to raise as much awareness as possible and ensure that all women can detect symptoms earlier. That’s why I decided to take part in the Step Challenge, it gave me something to focus on, and motivation to get up and out. It really helped my mental health by doing that bit of exercise and clearing my head. I would often walk for miles and miles along the seafront not knowing when I would stop, listening to music along the way. I liked walking along the seafront, it’s my happy place, and the beach was Mum's favourite place too. Mum absolutely loved the sunshine, the days after she left us the weather was unseasonably absolutely lovely. We really believe it was Mum giving us the pink and orange sunset skies - her favourite colours.
I am overwhelmed that I reached number one on the leader board for the Step Challenge! Considering that I started only two weeks after Mum passed, I am so proud of myself. I’ve had so much support from my family, friends, and colleagues, which I am so grateful for. I know that Mum would be super proud of me and everything that I have done, and I will continue it all for her.
My boyfriend Connor really helped me get through the days before Mum passed, and the following weeks afterwards. He was with me every minute; he was there to give me a cuddle and was my shoulder to cry on. Connor also joined me on lots of walks which really helped me on those days where I didn't want to be on my own. My sisters were my rocks. We went on many walks together to keep ourselves busy, and to try to enjoy ourselves by spending every day together during the most difficult time of our lives. My dad has been the strongest person. He has held us all together, and we have all remained strong as a family unit, which we will continue to do for Mum.
Doing everything I can to help and support Ovarian Cancer Action means the world to me and my family, and I know that my mum would be so proud of everything I have done and achieved so far, and I'm only just beginning!