Yorkshire author takes on walking challenge for charity

Hannah Russell plans to walk 150 miles in May, as part of a charity challenge

A young Yorkshire author, who has twice been diagnosed with cancer, is taking part in an 150-mile walking challenge to raise money for charity.

Author Hannah Russell, from Masham, will join this month's 'We Walk for Yorkshire' challenge for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Hannah, 27, was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer when she was 21, and later developed skin cancer.

"I want to help raise awareness of the charity and the important work it does," she said, "but also to try and encourage people to go to their doctor if something doesn’t feel right.”

Hannah is well-known for her book series "Little Alf and Friends"

Hannah was first diagnosed with cancer in her early twenties, after she started feeling pain in her right hip.

She was referred for further tests and was diagnosed with sarcoma, a cancer which is found in the body's soft tissue.

Following chemotherapy and radiotherapy to treat the cancer, Hannah was given the all-clear by doctors.

However, a year later, she was diagnosed with skin cancer. She underwent further radiotherapy and had 14 surgeries to remove the cancer.

Hannah, 27, was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of 21

Yorkshire Cancer Research was set up to fund research intended to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in the local area.

Throughout May, the charity is challenging people across Yorkshire to walk a collective total of 31,000 miles - a symbolic figure representing the number of people typically diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire each year.

The 'We Walk for Yorkshire' campaign hopes to encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy being active, while simultaneously raising awareness of the important role exercise plays in cancer prevention and treatment.

Hannah said she was advised to go walking as part of her rehabilitation following cancer treatment, and recalls pushing herself "to walk a little bit futher every day".

"When you’ve been through so much, it’s a great way to get out and focus your mind on something."

Hannah will be walking the Yorkshire Three Peaks as part of her challenge, as well as some of the Dales Way.

Hannah believes walking is an ideal way "to focus your mind"

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “There is growing evidence that exercise plays a vital role in cancer treatment and recovery, as well as helping to prevent cancer.

"That’s why we’re inviting people across the region to get active and take part in 'We Walk for Yorkshire'."

People can sign up on the charity’s website, where they can choose their own challenge and set up a fundraising page to share with friends and family.