A St Mary’s resident will be taking the trip of a lifetime this winter when she treks through Thailand for charity.
Michelle Mapplethorpe (above, on the right), who runs a snackshop on St Mary’s, will spend up to six hours a day travelling through paddy fields, jungles, rainforests, cliffs, waterfalls and beaches during the trek to raise money for Breast Cancer Care.
‘I felt it was time to put something back into life,? Michelle told ScillyNews. ‘Life’s been very good to me and I wanted to put something back.?
The week long trek is run jointly by Woman and Home magazine and Breast Cancer Care, the UK’s leading provider of information, practical assistance and emotional support for people affected by breast cancer.
Ellie Sleeman, Head of Events at Breast Cancer Care said: ‘We are delighted that Michelle has chosen to support our work. Every contribution makes a difference and funds raised will go towards ensuring that Breast Cancer Care can continue to support men and woman with breast cancer, as well as families, partners and friends.”
The journey, in temperatures up to 35 degrees, will begin in Phuket in Southern Thailand, before heading inland to explore the rainforests, limestone cliffs and waterfalls of the Khao Sok National Park - ending at the tranquil beach resort of Khao Lak, where up to 55 weary participants will be able to relax and celebrate their achievement in one of Thailand’s most peaceful locations.
Several events have been organised on the Islands to raise money for the trek, including a race night at the Scillonian Club, a trolley dash in the Co-op, an auction of promises and the sale of cream teas from Michelle’s bakery on the Strand.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and accounts for almost one in three of all cancer cases in women. Approximately 41,700 people are diagnosed each year in the UK, 245 of which are men. Although breast cancer in British women is increasing by more than 1% each year, survival rates beyond five years are on the rise.
Michelle has pledged that she will raise at least ?3,000 and is calling on local businesses and individuals to support her. Donations are much appreciated. Please see Michelle on the Strand or call 07787848954.
