A group of six friends, known as the ‘Girlie Lunchers’, have walked the length of a marathon (26.2 miles) collectively to raise more than £1,340 for Brain Tumour Research.
Led by Jan Westwood (top right), 76, from Derbyshire, the group conceived of the idea after having to cancel their annual charity coffee morning. Jan said: “We’ve hosted coffee mornings for years to raise money. These events typically attract 50 people, so it’s never a small gathering.
“This year, we couldn’t host our annual coffee morning, and I didn’t want us to end the year without raising any money. So, I thought, why not try something different and walk a marathon together?”
With an average age of 76, the group is made up of Jan, Angela Timothy (below left), Mary Newiss, Rosemary Burton, Pat Hall (below right) and Stella Quinn.
The six Girlie Lunchers went to great lengths to collectively reach the total of 26.2 miles. Rosemary braved Pendle Hill in Lancashire, Pat marched around Compstall Lake in Greater Manchester and Jan herself traversed The Algarve in Portugal.
Jan said: “With one of us waiting for a knee operation and others managing mobility issues, it wasn’t as easy as it might sound. But the support from friends, family and neighbours has been amazing, and the motivation within our group has really kept us going.
“I wanted to support a charity that directly funds research, as it’s the only way to improve outcomes for those diagnosed. Without research, nothing will change, and thousands will continue to be impacted.”
If, like Jan and her friends, you have been motivated by the knowledge that brain tumours continue to kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet, you can donate to us via the Girlie Lunchers’ JustGiving page.
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Published Monday 6th January 2025.