A Timaru breast cancer survivor is stepping up for a good cause.
Barbara Gilchrist plans to walk 100km this weekend to raise money for Sweet Louise, an organisation that provides support for people with incurable breast cancer.
‘‘I’m fundraising for something I hope I never need.’’
Mrs Gilchrist said she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, and went on to have both breasts removed in the same year.
She made the decision to get her second breast removed as, for her, it felt like a ticking time bomb, she said.
But Mrs Gilchrist realised it was an individual choice for everyone, with many factors to consider.
‘‘I felt well-supported in my choice.’’
She never put it down to a bad year, ‘‘but a good year in that I’m still alive’’.
‘‘I realise how lucky I am.’’
When she had logged on to Sweet Louise’s fundraising site, it had been 739 days since she had received the all clear, so she had selected a sentimental fundraising goal of $739.
‘‘But I wanna smash that.’’
Mrs Gilchrist said she was planning a loop — which was about 2km — which would start on Otipua Rd.
The loop would be repeated ‘‘over and over again’’ during daylight hours.
The loop was wheelchair accessible and suitable for prams, dogs and kids, as she had wanted to make the day ‘‘absolutely accessible to everyone’’.
While she had previously walked 100km in 24 hours, she had decided to make it 36 hours to make it accessible.
‘‘I have no doubt we can do it.’’
Her house — situated on the loop — would work as the event’s hub.
People were encouraged to come along and do ‘‘as little or as much as they liked’’.
When daylight had disappeared, she would grab a head torch and make up the kilometres with friends who were runners.
‘‘Probably down Salt Water Creek.’’
The event would begin on Saturday at 8am and would continue until Sunday until 8pm.
A Facebook event had been created, but questions could be directed to Mrs Gilchrist on 021 334-052.
There would be spot prizes for donors, and people or businesses were welcome to provide prizes to be raffled on the day if that was how they would like to support people with breast cancer, she said.
