Demetra Sophocleous is taking on the 17-mile walk next month in aid of a blood cancer charity

The Thames Path and (inset) Demetra Sophocleous

An Enfield woman is taking on a 28km (17-mile) walking challenge along the River Thames to raise money in memory of her brother who died from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Demetra Sophocleous will be taking part in the Thames Path Ultra Challenge during Blood Cancer Awareness Month to raise money for Lymphoma Action.

The challenge on Saturday, 13th September, involves walking from Putney to Hampton along the Thames Path. Lymphoma Action is the only UK charity dedicated to tackling the disease.

Demetra’s brother Pambos died from lymphoma in 2005.

“We lost my brother at the age of 43, which had a devastating effect on my family,” says Demetra.

“He lost his life just under five months after his diagnosis, and three months after his passing my niece was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma but thankfully went on to make a full recovery after receiving treatment.

“I haven’t done one of these long walks for a few years, but as it is a special year, I feel I need to mark it by challenging myself to raise funds and awareness about this type of blood cancer.

“Our family has lived through both sides of the cancer coin, but it is essential that we continue to raise awareness about lymphoma, and the work of Lymphoma Action who make sure no one faces lymphoma alone.”

Laura Thompson, challenge events fundraiser at Lymphoma Action, adds: “Every 26 minutes one of us is diagnosed with lymphoma, making it the UK’s fifth most common cancer. We are truly grateful for amazing people like Demetra who support our work in providing vital information and support to people affected by a lymphoma diagnosis.”

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and Lymphoma Action is “inviting everyone to join the conversation about lymphoma” to raise awareness and help more people affected by the condition.

To sponsor Demetra:
Visit justgiving.com/page/demetra-sophocleous-1744395767309

For more information about Lymphoma Action:
Visit lymphoma-action.org.uk/BCAM

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.