Ashleigh’s dusk walk raises an incredible £23k

She received acupuncture and integrative holistic therapies, and the impact of that support inspired her to raise money to help ensure others could continue to access these vital services.

What started as a simple idea - a sponsored continuous walk from Portrush to Portstewart with a modest fundraising target of £1,000 - soon grew into something far bigger than Ashleigh ever imagined.

The 32‑year‑old explains: “I had been using the therapeutic support services at Action Cancer for some time and to me they were absolutely invaluable.

"I wanted to help raise money so others could benefit in the same way. So, the Dawn to Dusk Walk from Portrush to Portstewart was born, and on Sunday 3rd May we all set off, joined by more people than I ever expected. We initially thought maybe 100 would take part, but it just grew and grew.”

Ashleigh says she has been “completely blown away” by the generosity shown.

“We hoped, if we were lucky, to reach £2,000. But together we raised an absolutely incredible £23,431 for Action Cancer. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to properly put into words just how grateful I am.”

Ashleigh adds: “It was a privilege to do this for such an important charity and to know the money raised will enable Action Cancer to continue its incredible therapeutic support services, which are completely free to clients.

"When we started, I could never have imagined seeing a figure like £23,431. It just shows what can happen when people come together.”

Ashleigh paid tribute to everyone involved: “To our walkers, supporters, the businesses who helped us, everyone who donated and joined us - a massive thank you. I’m overwhelmed, incredibly proud and so grateful. The Dawn to Dusk Walk is something I will never forget.”

Mark Irwin‑Watson, community group executive at Action Cancer, said: “We genuinely cannot thank Ashleigh enough.

"At a time when she could have been focusing her time and energy elsewhere, she chose to hold a fundraiser to ensure others could continue to benefit from our cancer support services.”

He added: “It doesn’t surprise me that Ashleigh raised such a phenomenal amount.

"She is an utterly selfless human being who puts others before herself. Everyone at Action Cancer has been humbled by what she has achieved - a truly beautiful and inspirational person.”

Action Cancer offers a range of therapeutic support services for people with a cancer diagnosis, as well as their families and friends.

Spaces are available on online and in‑person group talks covering relaxation, mindfulness, sleep strategies, talking to children about cancer, coping with loss, nutrition, exercise and more.

To register, visit www.actioncancer.org/group-events or call 028 9080 3444.