Sisters set for Sahara trek to support cancer charity

TWO sisters are to trek 100km across the Sahara Desert in Morocco to raise money for a cancer charity spearheaded by a reality TV star.

Gemma Duff, from Gloucestershire, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, will take part in the ‘Coppafeel! Trek with Gi’ event in November with her younger sister Abby Featonby.

Giovanna Fletcher, an author and podcaster who won I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2020, is the face behind the event.

Coppafeel! is a breast cancer awareness charity set up by twin sisters Kristin and Maren Hallenga after Kristin was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23. It focused on promoting early detection of breast cancer by encouraging women under 30 to regularly check their breasts. Statistics show that 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, with 2,300 of them aged 39 and under.

“My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 when she was 36,” said Abby. “It was initially primary breast cancer, so we were hoping for it to be fixed with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but they said it had already spread to her bones and was deemed incurable but treatable.

“She was a solicitor for a successful law firm but had to give it up, so the mental side of it is very tough.

“She also has two young children, aged five and seven, and was a keen netball player. It shows that you’re never too young to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and we’re trying to raise awareness of the importance of checking your breasts regularly.”

To continue to raise funds, Gemma, from Malmesbury, and Abby, from Newent, are organising a netball tournament at Tewkesbury Secondary School on September 11. Up to 10 players can sign up, at £10 per player.

For details, message Abby on 07912 603252 or Gemma on 07731 979864. You can also donate at https://justgiving.com/fundraising/abby-sahara