A WOMAN who lost her uncle and father figure to a rare form of cancer is pushing herself to the limit in his memory.
Kim Bailey-Harding has set herself the gruelling challenge of climbing two of England’s tallest mountains in one day in a drive to raise awareness of his illness and cash for Myeloma UK.
The charity researches the cause, prevention and potential cures for myeloma, a rare form of cancer which affects the plasma cells in the blood in a similar way to leukaemia.
The 31-year-old was inspired to take on the challenge after her uncle, Cyril Wooding, who had raised her from being very young, died in June aged 66. Cyril, an engineer from Cefn Mawr, had been suffering from myeloma.
Kim, of Little Acton, doted on her uncle, whom she still calls “dad”, and is still reduced to tears when she talks about the man she describes as “amazing”.
She said: “My dad broke several bones in quick succession which alerted us to the problem and although it can be treated, his myeloma couldn’t be cured.
“He also suffered a heart attack which caused kidney failure and meant he had to undergo dialysis three times a week. Myeloma can’t be isolated because it affects the blood so it just meant his whole body was struggling.”
Kim added: “My uncle Cyril was a complete hero to me and was well loved by everyone.
“He was funny, charismatic and would do anything for anyone. He never complained about his illness, even on days when he was too sick to leave his chair and he loved his family more than anything.
“He’d put his elderly neighbours’ bins out for them and clear their paths in the snow and he was so funny and hardworking. He just wanted the best of everything for me and my sister, Lisa.”
Kim’s charity challenge will begin bright and early on Saturday when she and her partner Stuart Harding, 36, will aim to reach the summit of England’s tallest mountain Scafell Pike by lunchtime before taking on the long and steep descent.
Then in the afternoon she will have to don her boots again when the pair tackle the nearby Great Gable, aiming to complete both within eight hours.
But she believes the tough times will be worth it as she continues to campaign for the charities which she has supported for a number of years since Cyril was diagnosed.
She added: “I’ve done quite a few different things over the last few years, like sky-diving, abseiling and I even stayed in a haunted house so it’s tough to keep finding new challenges.
“But I think this one is definitely going to be tough as it’ll be hard enough to climb Scafell, never mind taking on another mountain straight after.”
To support Kim and make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/cyril-wooding.