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A Yorkshire woman who relies on a wheelchair is determined to complete a fundraiser in memory of her mum.
At the age of 25, Georgina Hurst's bustling dream career as a paramedic came to an end when she suffered serious injuries in a car crash in 1998. Now, at 52, Georgina has made it her mission to stay fit and healthy, which will help her in her mission of trekking up Whernside, Yorkshire's highest hill in memory of her mother, Heather Ann Hurst, who passed away from bowel cancer in September 2022.
On Saturday, September, Georgina, from Eldwick in Bradford, will be walking the highest of the Three Peaks on crutches along with her boyfriend Mitch and three best friends and personal trainers Lucy, Ali and Mark. "Even though I've been a permanent wheelchair user for the past 26 years, I've done several fundraising events including a wall climb, a fire walk using friends as aides and bike rides across Belgium and France using a three-wheeled recumbent bicycle," Georgina said.
"Very sadly, my mum passed away from bowel cancer in September 2022, and I wanted to do this trek to make her proud knowing that I will help other families going through the same thing."
Georgina will not be going alone, as she will be supported on this Saturday's walk by three friends Lucy, Ali and Mark - all personal trainers - and her boyfriend Mitch. She added: "I know it will be very difficult, but with the support of my friends and family (and Mum cheering me on) I know I'll succeed."
The team plan to start climbing Whernside at around 7am and anticipate the hike up and down the hill will take six to seven hours to complete.
"My mother was a little Scouse rottweiler! She was hilarious, and she was the kindest, strongest person you ever could meet," Georgina added. "I think I take after my mum because I never, ever give up.
"Mum had a lot to do with cancer charities before she died. Bowel cancer is a cruel disease, so if I can help any tiny bit of research, I'll do what I can. Even if I have to crawl, I won't let my mum down!"
Vicky Martin, Community Fundraising Manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: "We're incredibly grateful to Georgina for selecting Bowel Cancer UK as her chosen charity as she takes on her Whernside walk.
"Every 12 minutes, someone like Heather Ann is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK's fourth most common cancer. The money Georgina is raising will help us continue to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care."
"We hope that Georgina knows the difference that her support will make, and that many other people will be inspired by her efforts."
The group will all be wearing Bowel Cancer UK branded shirts and plan to hand out leaflets to passers-by with a QR code to donate. At the time of publication, Georgina has raised over £2,000. You can find out more about the fundraiser here.
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