A Story of Strength: Why We’re Taking on a 200-Mile Challenge for Breast Cancer Now Research

In 2022, our colleague Fiona, known to everyone as Fi,

was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Since then, she has astonished her family, friends, and colleagues with the courage and determination she brings to every single day. Through treatment, setbacks, and uncertainty, Fi has faced her illness with a simple but defiant mantra: “It is what it is.”

Fi, 57, has worked at The George Hotel for 19 years as Marketing and Business Development Support Manager. When she learned that the business had chosen to support Breast Cancer Now as part of its 10-year anniversary fundraising challenge, she was completely taken aback.

“I was overwhelmed,” she said. “I knew we’d be doing something to mark the anniversary, but I had no idea we’d be supporting Breast Cancer Now. I can’t thank them enough - it’s incredibly humbling.”

Living with breast cancer

Since her diagnosis, Fiona has undergone extensive treatment across hospitals and cancer units in Carlisle, Penrith, Newcastle, Whitehaven, and Middlesbrough.

Her journey has included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bone infusions,

electro-chemotherapy, a left breast mastectomy with reconstructive surgery, and ongoing immunotherapy. In 2024, she was also diagnosed with lymphoedema.

Last year, Fiona was diagnosed with a local recurrence related to the original cancer, followed by the discovery of cancerous lymph nodes under her right arm - meaning further treatment continues.

“I must have had around 54 rounds of treatment so far,” Fiona said. “Sometimes it’s a double whammy with immunotherapy and chemotherapy on a three-week cycle, alongside surgery. It can be relentless.”

Despite being described by many as “strong and positive,” Fiona speaks candidly about the reality behind that label.

“I don’t always feel strong,” she said. “There are days when I don’t want to get out of bed, when I cry, feel exhausted, and think I can’t do this anymore. But giving up has never felt like a choice.

“This is the hand I’ve been dealt, and I choose to face it head on.”

Fiona is currently living with incurable breast cancer, meaning treatment is ongoing. Still, she remains hopeful.

“For the foreseeable future, I’m living with the disease and continuing treatment - but you never know what might be around the corner.”

Family, colleagues, and inspiration

Fiona says her greatest inspiration comes from her two daughters, Molly (27) and Lola (20), and her partner Gavin.

“They say I’m their rock,” she said, “but they’re mine as well. We’ve been through so much together.”

She has also praised the support she has received from Everbright Hotels throughout her diagnosis and treatment.

“They have been so good from day one,” she said. “From my first diagnosis in 2022 right up to now.”

Turning inspiration into action

It is Fiona’s strength and resilience that inspired colleagues to take on a 200-mile cycle and walking challenge in support of Breast Cancer Now, raising funds and awareness for vital research.

Fiona hopes to be present at the start and finish of the challenge, depending on her treatment schedule.

One colleague inspired by Fiona is Becky Shields, General Manager of The Wild Pheasant Hotel and Spa, who is completing her own challenge by cycling from North Wales to Cumbria in just two days - timing her arrival to coincide with the main group reaching The George Hotel in Penrith.

“Fi helped me immensely with marketing work a couple of years ago,” Becky said. “She was incredibly supportive, and I’ll never forget that.”

Everbright Hotels Operations Director Darryl Shaw explained why the company chose this cause to mark its 10-year anniversary.

“The answer was always within the business,” he said. “We wanted to celebrate the strength and resilience Fiona has shown and continues to show. The response from staff has been overwhelming - everyone wants to support this challenge and this cause.”

Why this challenge matters

This challenge isn’t just about miles walked or cycled. It’s about standing alongside Fiona, the thousands of people living with breast cancer, and helping fund the research that offers hope for the future.

By supporting Breast Cancer Now, we’re backing life-changing research that helps people live longer, better lives with breast cancer.