JANE REEDY’S BIG 5 CHALLENGE

Jane Reedy is raising money for Cancercare and Cancer Research UK with her BIG 5 CHALLENGE!

Jane Reedy’s Big 5 Challenges:

1. The Cumbria Traverse (30 mile long distance route across the fells from Broughton in Furness to Keswick) completed in mid-April
2. The Frog Whitton (96 mile bike ride over the Cumbria passes and a swim totaling 6 miles) completed 25th July
3. Swimming the length of Coniston (5 miles) mid to late August
4. Cross Bay Walk (Arnside to Kent Bank) 29th August
5. Beach ride on horseback early to mid-September

Jane Reedy, a Lake District local and friend of Wheelbase was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of esophageal cancer in March 2016 and her journey to recovery since that dark day has been a truly inspiring story of pure determination with many setbacks along the way. Jane explains… ‘On the 23rd March 2016, I was diagnosed with an advanced, rare and aggressive form of oesophageal cancer. After exploring different treatment options, we opted for an equally aggressive from of treatment to give me the best chance of survival. The odds were against me. However, I did get through a number of cycles of chemo, radiotherapy and major surgery to be here today.’

Jane Reedy (right) completes another Cumbrian fell with support from her friends

Throughout her most difficult  times Jane has been drawn to the great outdoors and her love of the beautiful Cumbrian environment that she lives in, to remain as active as possible for both her physical and mental health. In addition to the cancer diagnosis Jane and her family faced further challenges in 2017 when she was also identified as having the BRCA1 gene, meaning that she had an increased risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer; sadly Jane’s mother had died of ovarian cancer and it was decided that Jane should have preventative surgeries which unfortunately carried their own complications and repercussions, both mentally and physically.

Jane swimming in Ullswater as part of the ‘Frog Whitton’ challenge

Throughout these incredibly difficult times Jane has remained philosophical about her ‘unchosen challenges’ and has been encouraged to fit as much into her life as possible when it comes to immersing herself in the great outdoors, spending quality time with her friends and family and taking on some really grueling sporting challenges. To give thanks to the all of the people and organisations who have supported her in her treatment and recovery Jane was keen to take on a series of challenges to raise money for Cancercare and Cancer Research UK and her idea of ‘The Big Five Challenge’ was born.

Jane (2nd left) took on the ‘Frog Whitton’ challenge with the support of close friends and family

Jane explains how she came about the idea of the challenge – ‘This year, I aim to complete ‘The Big 5’ as it will be 5 years since my diagnosis and (hopefully) 5 years in September of being in remission which is quite a milestone. During this time, I will have had 5 operations. As it has been pointed out, it might be easier to do 5 tequila shots but I wish to raise £5,000 for these two amazing charities which are close to my heart. I aim to spread some ‘hope’ to those who are going through their own personal ‘unchosen challenges’, develop an understanding of cancer whilst challenging myself with different sports. The Big 5 are ‘chosen challenges’ which I hope to enjoy, share and provide a chance celebrate the past 5 years with my amazing family and friends. I hope that you can support me by donating, following me, or joining me somewhere.’

Jane takes on another one of the very steepest climbs in the Lake District

Jane successfully completed her first of the five challenges back in April when she took on the ‘Cumbria Traverse’ which saw her cross the Cumbrian fells from Broughton Mills to Keswick travelling an amazing 30 miles over extremely gruelling terrain. This past weekend saw her successfully complete her second challenge – the ‘Frog Whitton’ – inspired by the bicycle-mounted Fred Whitton sportive cycling challenge which takes place in the Lake District and raises a lot of money every year, but with a twist – Jane’s challenge didn’t just involve a very-demanding 96 mile bike ride over the most famous Cumbrian passes it also included a very challenging 6 mile open-water swim in Ullswater.

Jane’s friends and family were with her throughout this 2nd challenge to offer encouragement and support; she was joined on the bike and in the water by a group of friends who have trained with Jane and kept her motivated over the last few months as she prepared for her Big Five. We would like to offer our congratulations to Jane for completing the ‘Frog Whitton’ and are excited to see her take on her remaining challenges in the coming few months.

Jane Reedy’s chosen charities:

CancerCare is a unique independent charity dedicated to helping people affected by cancer and other potentially life limiting conditions living in North Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Cancer Research UK is a cancer research and awareness charity in the United Kingdom, formed on 4 February 2002 by the merger of The Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. Its aim is to reduce the number of deaths from cancer.

If you have been inspired by Jane’s efforts and would like to make a donation, please click the link below…