A Cumbrian woman with incurable cancer is among more than 60 people taking part in a fundraising walk around Ullswater. Fiona Gibson, from Heads Nook, near Wetheral, is a former nurse who had to retire on health grounds two years ago.

Fiona, 55, has secondary breast cancer, which is treatable but not curable. The walk - called Saunter for Secondaries - is raising money for Make 2nds Count. This charity is the first of its kind in the UK, raising money for research into secondary breast cancer.

This is breast cancer which has spread to other parts of the body. Although it can be treated, there is no cure. An estimated 35,000 people are living with secondary breast cancer in the UK. Each month about 1,000 people die from it. Only seven per cent of national funding for breast cancer goes towards it. Fiona says: “I have had breast cancer for seven years, and secondary cancer in my bones in my pelvis for the last two years. I have hormone tablets, monthly injections to strengthen the bones, and strong painkillers. It can be treated, not cured. I had to retire from being a nurse on health grounds two years ago.

“It has taken me this long to come to terms with that.”

The walk takes place on Saturday April 27 on the 20-mile Ullswater Way, starting and finishing at Glenridding. It is organised by Laura Dawson from London. Laura has secondary breast cancer. About 65 people from around the UK will take part. The walk will start at about 8am with the aim of finishing in six to eight hours.

Fiona says: “I am going to go as far as I can but my legs are not great. Even if I cannot complete, my friends and family and Laura’s friends and family will. Living with breast cancer that has spread is difficult, knowing there is no cure at present. Research into treatments will hopefully bring hope.”

Funds raised from Saunter for Secondaries will go directly to the Every 2nd Counts research team. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-dawson-make2ndscount