Walking in Her Name: Siobhan’s Inspiring Tribute to Her Sister Annie
This March, a remarkable group laced up their boots once again and took on the Walk in Her Name challenge for the second time as a heartfelt tribute to their "strong and funny Annie".
Annie, whose courage and positivity inspired everyone who knew her,was just 45 when she passed away from ovarian cancer.
Annie's sister, Siobhan, along with 32 close family and friends (from ages one to 76!) walked for over four hours, covering 10-miles around the breathtaking Derwentwater circular in Keswick. Together, they shared stories about Annie, laughter, and moments of reflection.
This was more than a walk; it was a celebration of Annie’s life and a commitment to carrying forward the legacy she built. And what a legacy it is! During her lifetime, Annie raised over £67,000 for causes close to her heart.
This year, Siobhan and the team have already raised more than £2,000 by walking in her name and continuing the mission Annie cared so deeply about: raising awareness, funding research, and fighting for earlier detection of ovarian cancer.
Siobhan and friends, walking for Annie
Annie’s story
Annie was diagnosed with stage 4b ovarian cancer in August 2018.
She faced treatment with extraordinary strength - three rounds of chemotherapy, a full hysterectomy, and then three more rounds that led to an all-clear in March 2019. But later that year, the cancer returned, this time in her lymph nodes.
She fought for four years, and in that time Annie endured further complications, including the cancer spreading to her skin and the painful swelling caused by lipoedema.
“She was the bravest woman I know. She took everything in her stride, she had such a positive outlook on it all.
She was simply the best. We all miss her terribly.
We walked because ovarian cancer takes too much, too soon. We walked to remember Annie, and to honour every woman who has faced this disease, and every family who has felt this loss.
We hope we continue to fundraise in her honour to make awareness and fight for early detection."
Annie is remembered by everyone who knew and loved her – her husband, two children, mam and dad, sisters and brothers, family and friends – and are united in their determination to honour her life by carrying forward the cause she cared about.
Siobhan and friends, walking around Derwentwater
Walking forward, together
Siobhan and her family hope to continue fundraising in Annie’s name for years to come. Their commitment reflects the heart of Walk in Her Name - a community of people coming together with one goal: to save lives.
Every step taken around Derwentwater was a reminder of Annie’s strength. Every donation made in her honour fuels research into improving and finding new ovarian cancer treatments. And every story shared keeps her memory alive while helping others recognise the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer sooner.
To Siobhan and the entire team, thank you. Your dedication, love, and resilience embody the spirit of the Walk in Her Name challenge, and all that Annie stood for.
If you feel inspired by their story, you can join our next walking challenge or support our research in your own way.
Together, we can create a future where every woman with ovarian cancer has the chance Annie deserved.
