WHEN Julie Fisher lost her daughter Kate Guthrie to cancer at just five years old, she knew she had to do something to fight back against the disease that took her life.
Julie began raising money for Cancer Research UK to fund further research and change the future for other families.
She started by selling pink gerberas at Race for Life and then began selling lights, glow products, tiaras and tutus at the charity’s Shine Night Walk events.
Along the way, she set up Kate’s Project, which raises money specifically for research into sarcomas, the type of cancer Kate had.
Now, 30 years on, Julie is still raising money for Cancer Research UK and has raised a phenomenal £850,000. This weekend (Sat Sept 23), she will be at the Shine London in Battersea Park and aims to push the fundraising total over £875,000.
Shine Night Walk is an illuminating night-time walk which passes some of the city’s famous landmarks.
Participants dress in lights, glow outfits and sparkles to represent research shining through the dark days of cancer.
All the routes take in famous landmarks from Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace to St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and the National History Museum.
It has been a labour of love for Julie, Kate’s sister Lucy and Julie’s husband Doug, whom she calls her ‘wingman’, plus the other 20 or so ‘Jules Jewels’ who support her at events.
Kate’s dad, David, was a great support in getting Kate’s Project launched and worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
Julie, from Romford, said: “Originally, I set out to raise £60,000, selling flowers for £1 each and then I realised I was on to something. I spoke to the charity about it, and it was decided to roll the idea out nationally.
“I did it because it helped me make some sense out of what happened to us as a family. And with Kate’s Project, it meant that the money raised went straight into sarcoma research, which is a less common type of cancer and generally under-funded. Also, it will hopefully help another child facing the same prognosis Kate had.
“But never in my wildest dreams did I think we would still be doing it now! I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved.
“Some of the research we have funded is leading medics to look at different regimes and protocols,” she said.
Julie is driven on by the daughter she lost, whom she describes as ‘beautiful, feisty and exceptionally brave”.
But amid the hard work of fundraising, there has been lots of fun along the way.
“We have had a lot of fun and laughs and met some fabulous people and wonderful families who share their stories with us,” she said.
Julie has also been presented with one of the charity’s Flame of Hope awards for her outstanding contribution to the cause.
London Shine Walk involves 10k, half marathon and full marathon options. More than 12,000 will be taking part this year, raising around £2.3 million.
Participants can choose to raise money for a type of cancer that is closest to their heart.
The full marathon event is fully booked but there are still half marathon and 10k places.
It starts in Battersea Park and finishes at the Evolution site within the park. There are staggered starts throughout the evening.
Lynn Daly, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK said: “Julie and her family and friends have done an amazing job over the years – never letting up on their enthusiasm and determination to make a difference and help others.
“Saying we are grateful for all her hard work doesn’t sound anywhere near enough – but we are enormously thankful and in awe of what she has achieved.
“Shine is always a night to remember – seeing the city and your fellow participants lit up and knowing you are making a difference to future generations.
“1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime so it’s wonderful to be able to play your part in changing this by taking part in the full marathon, half marathon or 10k.
“The event is built for all ability levels, so you can choose your walk, have fun with family and friends and raise money for type of cancer that means the most to you.”
