Bishop's Stortford Walk of Light raises almost £5,000 for Blood Cancer UK

A family's story of navigating the emotional, physical and financial challenges of living with blood cancer, by Amy Atkinson

It is brilliant to be able to bring you a dose of positivity and good news, a rarity in the headlines sometimes.

On Saturday March 25, the night before the clocks went back, we made the most of the last early sunset for a while. After months of planning, hard work and plenty of nerves, I welcomed my amazing team of 20 volunteers into the fields of Grange Paddocks to set up the Bishop's Stortford Walk of Light. The sponsored walk was in aid of Blood Cancer UK, a sunset walk to light up the night and shine a light of hope to all those whose lives have been affected by blood cancer.

When my family did this event for the first time last year there were 20 of us. This year there were nearly 200. Together we raised awareness of blood cancer, we united to show that you are never alone when fighting cancer and we shone a beacon of hope to all those in our community that need it most.

Speaking and meeting with local people whose lives have been touched by blood cancer was so deeply moving, it will stay with me forever. Seeing everyone set off on their walk filled me with so much joy. It was lovely seeing all the children, most of whom were Isla's school friends, running around with their glow sticks bringing so much energy and joy to the evening.

I promised my family that good would come of my husband's blood cancer diagnosis and this night showed me that something beautiful has come from all the suffering. I hope everyone who took part found it to be truly uplifting.

When you are on a cancer journey there is something utterly indescribable about meeting someone else that is too. Someone that just understands. Someone else that belongs to the club that no one wants to be in.

I asked the mayor, Cllr Dave Anderson, to take part in the Walk of Light by giving out medals to walkers. After the event he said: "A wonderful time was had by all as the route around Grange Paddocks became a sea of dancing lights, swirling around the fields as they raised funds for a worthy cause.

"It was a pleasure to see the happy faces and smiles as the medals were awarded to the participants as they crossed the finishing line. Hot drinks were then enjoyed in the cafe. It was a very enjoyable event."

Talking of the hot drinks being served by Everyone Active Grange Paddocks, they were outstanding in supporting my vision, enabling the event to occur and welcoming everyone into the cafe for drinks.

The event couldn't have happened without so many people uniting to support me in organising. Ravan Graphics supplied all the amazing signage for our event. We are so grateful they lent their skills to make the event look professional and well branded. A massive thank you to all my friends, family and strangers who volunteered their time to be marshals at the event. You made it possible! And the people of Bishop's Stortford and the wider area - you made the night truly spectacular.

Collectively we have raised a truly fantastic total of £4,832 and counting. There is still time to donate or share the fundraiser if you want to support the Walk of Light, just go to justgiving.com/campaign/WalkoflightBishopsStortford.

Here's what the money raised could do:

• £1,500 could fund a month's worth of experiments in a standard lab.
• £4,000 could fund the support team to provide emotional and practical support for people affected by blood cancer via its support services for one week.
• £8,000 could fund a month of high-quality, world-class research.

Everyone has raised funds that will make the lives of blood cancer patients brighter. As cruel as cancer is, love is always stronger and events such as the Walk of Light are a reminder of this. I hope everyone enjoyed their Walk of Light and I hope to see even more of you next year.

Here's to unity in the community! Sending hope and light to all.