A woman is nearing the end of a 630-mile walking challenge raising funds for Brain Tumour Research in memory of her husband who died from the disease. 

Pete Hopkisson was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in April 2021. The father-of-three had radiotherapy and two rounds of chemotherapy, before passing away in March last year, aged 55. 

His wife, Debbie, has taken inspiration from the best-selling book, The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, to take on the challenge of completing Britain’s longest national trail, the South West Coast Path, whilst raising funds to help find a cure for the disease. 

She said: “I love being active and outdoors and thought the challenge would be a helpful thing for me to focus on after Pete passed away. It has been so beneficial for my mental health, really restorative and healing. 

“It’s been absolutely breathtaking. I didn’t really know the Cornish coastline before and in all the time I’ve walked I’ve only had three days of rain. When it has though, it’s been pretty torrential and a sense of humour has definitely been required.” 

Debbie started her walk in May last year and has already raised more than £3,400. She now has less than 300 miles left to complete and will walk these over three stages. 

She said: “It’s absolutely shocking that only 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002 despite the fact they kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. I feel like I should help by raising whatever funds and awareness I can.” 

To support Debbie’s fundraising, please donate via her JustGiving page. 

Related reading

• First steps towards UK GBM clinical trial
• Fundraise your way for us

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