Lorraine has been a supporter of The Christie Charity since her sister Carmel was diagnosed with ampullary cancer in August 2021, a very rare cancer of the digestive system. After surgery at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, Carmel was referred to The Christie hospital for chemotherapy and is now on a clinical trial.
To say thanks for her sister’s treatment at The Christie, Lorraine took on the Spanish 3 Peaks trek in 2023 for The Christie Charity, as well as the Lakes 10 trek in 2024. For both challenges, Carmel was there to cheer on all the trekkers at the finish line.
Lorraine says that when she took on the Spanish 3 Peaks trek, she thought she was too old at 65 – though she says she knows that’s ridiculous now! She says she soon found that age didn’t really matter as she was doing the challenge as part of a team for a vitally important cause.
Although Lorraine says she was a little nervous to take on the Spanish 3 Peaks trek with a group of people she didn't know, everyone was incredible and so supportive – from the fantastic team of fundraisers at The Christie Charity, the adventure group organising the challenge and the local guides.
Lorraine’s now got her eyes set on her next challenge, The Christie Charity’s Mount Toubkal Trek. In June 2026, Lorraine and other Team Christie hikers will experience the breathtaking beauty of Morocco on an exhilarating 3-day trek through the stunning High Atlas Mountains – and you could join her.
By participating in this challenge, you’ll be raising vital funds to help The Christie continue its lifesaving and life-changing work.
“It is an absolutely amazing experience… The team spirit of working together is like nothing I have ever experienced before. The bond that I feel to my fellow trekkers, Christie fundraisers and everyone involved can never be broken. And it was so much fun taking part.
“[To anyone considering taking on The Christie Charity’s Mount Toubkal Trek] It will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It will be challenging, but you’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had, see breathtaking scenery you have never seen before, and be part of a team all pulling together for such an important cause. Every step you take is helping The Christie continue their incredible work – and that makes the challenge worthwhile.
