"When mum was diagnosed with leukaemia, we were devastated. She became seriously unwell very quickly and faced many complications. We didn't really know anything about blood cancer." Katie’s mum Janet endured complications and countless blood transfusions which took a huge toll on her physical and mental health. After 11 intense weeks she sadly died.
"Mum was always vibrant, wanting to make memories with people. She was fit and healthy, she walked regularly and was a huge part of our family. We still feel very lost without her."
Before she died, Janet asked Katie to support blood cancer research in her memory. Katie organised a Walk of Light across the Humber Bridge where Janet had previously organised walks in memory of her own mum. "It feels really meaningful to us to continue organising a walk in her memory."
"My youngest Gracie was six when we lost nana and talks about her every day. She wanted to make the bridge shine as bright as nana." Katie, Gracie and their friends and family raised over £500, smashing their £150 target.
"It's a positive thing for the children to do. It brings people together in memory of who you want to walk for and helps others in the future by funding vital blood cancer research. Mum always said to me 'carry on, never stop making memories' – and that's exactly what we're doing."