A West Highland Way Story…

Many of the submissions for our anniversary told of emotional and inspiring stories. People who had been determined to push themselves to complete the 96 miles and support good causes.

This story was submitted by George Malik.

Ann’s Journey by George Malik

In July 2016 my wife Ann was diagnosed with stage four terminal metastatic breast cancer. The prognosis was three to six months.

Ann had nine tumours in her spine. Four in the ribs, one in her femur and one in her knee. This was a devastating blow. She accepted her diagnosis but totally refused to accept the prognosis.

The treatment to keep the cancer at bay started and Ann’s fight began. 

She had made it to 2018 and while discussing where we wanted to take our summer holidays that year Ann said she would like to attempt the West Highland Way. We discussed the implications and in all honesty I was skeptical and had serious doubts of her completing the first leg, let alone the whole walk, although I didn’t say anything.

During our discussions Ann hit on the idea of doing a sponsored walk in aid of the Guernsey Society For Cancer Relief. The charity had been an absolute rock for her, and us as a family. Their financial help was immense. They paid for my flights to Southampton so I could accompany Ann when she needed to go for scans. They paid for a new mattress to help Ann sleep more comfortably. They were and are a godsend. 

We set about getting things organised. Once news broke of our plans family and friends expressed an interest in joining us. I contacted Easyways for information and we set about organizing fundraising.

Easyways were fantastic and took all the pressure off our shoulders. We could concentrate on fundraising and getting fit. Mary Bloom, a personal fitness trainer contacted us and offered her services free of charge to get Ann fit.

We had six in total who were going to take up the challenge of the West Highland Way. Ann, myself, my daughter Lizzie, Ann’s mum Sally who was seventy years young and two friends Alexandria Wherry and Katie Logan. 

We took up training walks on the flat and on the cliff paths around Guernsey. We started fundraising and we were absolutely blown away by the support we received. We even had radio and press coverage but Ann being the person she is preferred to stay out of the limelight. She didn’t want credit. Her aim was simply to give something back to the charity that has been so invaluable In her fight. 

The walk was given the title “Ann’s Journey “ and come August 31st we set off from Milngavie having flown over from Guernsey the day before.

What an incredible journey. We were met at the start by friends who wanted to wish us well. We were joined in stages by members of my family,  and so many friends. Friend made special trips to meet us at the end of some stages. Strangers who we  met spoke to along the way gave so generously without being asked.

Nine days after we set off we reached Fort William. What an incredible achievement for Ann. What a warrior, what a fighter. We were all so proud of her and proud to have been a part of Ann’s Journey. 

We raised just over ten thousand pounds for the charity and it was a challenge we will never forget. 

Ann is still fighting and there is talk of doing it all again if we can.