A GRANDMOTHER is taking on a charity walk to say thanks for the care and kindness she received when recently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
In 2022 Mary Dunn (nee Vincent), who was born in Andover and has lived in the town for almost all her life, realised she had a few lumps on her breasts, and just a number of weeks later, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
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Mary received treatment at the Nick Jonas Unit at Winchester hospital, and said the care and treatment she was offered through her battle with breast cancer was "absolutely fantastic".
After Mary went into remission, she decided she wanted to do something to repay the fantastic care she had received, and came up with the idea of doing a sponsored walk.
The 80-year-old will be walking along the Test Way from Romsey to Upper Clatford church, where a barbecue will be put on for those taking part in the walk.
Money raised from the walk will go towards Cancer Research UK, and the Nick Jonas ward.
Mary said: "I was delighted with my treatment and how well organised it was by the NHS. The nurses were so helpful and it was so easy to talk to them on the telephone directly when I needed to.
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"The only issue was the stuffiness of the chemotherapy room which is why I want to raise money to improve it. The lack of fresh air is a particular problem during treatment when patients need to sit for several hours in an enclosed room. I'm looking forward to the walk and encouraging all of the people who are supporting me."
Mary's son, Gareth Hartwell, said: "We were all delighted with Mary's recovery, which didn't look at all likely when she was in intensive care last year. It was only possible due to the fantastic care and treatment she received from the health services.
"I am very proud that she now wants to help other people in the position she was in and is getting as fit as she can to take part in some of the walk. I hope that all of her friends and former colleagues in Andover will get involved to help us raise more money for these really good causes."
As a young girl Mary attended Andover Grammar School, now known as John Hanson Community School. She returned to Andover Grammar School to teach Maths in 1964, and after close to 10 years of teaching at the school began working at Cricklade College, now Andover College, for over 20 years.
The walk is also being supported by Southampton Football Club legend Francis Benali MBE. He said: "I have heard about an incredible challenge to walk the Test Way that Mary Dunn is organising to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
"May I take this opportunity to wish all those taking part the very best for what will be a long but very scenic and rewarding walk. It will be fantastic if Mary is able to join the walkers for part of it."
Anyone interested in taking part in the walk can do so by contacting garethhartwell@hotmail.co.uk, or donations to the charity walk can be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/marydunnfightingcancer.
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