Walk for Jess

On the 8th-11th of September we are walking 86 miles from Portreath to Lizard Point along the South West Coast Path in memory of Connie's sister Jess to raise money for two amazing charities, Georgia’s voice and Alopecia UK. Any donations will be split equally between the two charities.

In July last year Jess’ body finally gave up and she sadly passed away after many years of the stresses of battling with her mental health.

Jess grew up on Tresco on the Isles of Scilly where she had a wonderfully free and happy childhood. She was a loving and caring person, who went out of her way to look after others. Jess had some lovely friends who shared her love of art and music and who supported her throughout her turbulent teenage years into her early twenties. She was a talented artist, always making cards and gifts for her friends and family that often featured Bob, her rather oversized cat. Our logo is one of the personalised pieces she made for Connie’s birthday a few years ago. Over recent years, she discovered a passion for gardening and was often found planting vegetables or learning Latin names of plants usually with Bob alongside her.

Mental health services leave a lot to be desired especially in Cornwall. Jess at times fell through the cracks of the main services which is why it is vital to raise funds for the local charity Georgia’s voice who provide safe spaces for young women in Cornwall to talk, listen or just be.

Jess went to a couple of events hosted by Georgia’s voice just before she passed and it had a very positive influence on her happiness.

It was a space where she felt understood and able to relate to others. As well as providing this space, Georgia’s voice can help put young women in contact with professional services to support them.

The money we raise will help them to continue to make a positive impact on the lives of as many young women as possible by organising new events on different locations like The ARC at the sea sanctuary, a recently renovated 180ft Dutch barge which they are able to use as a new floating wellbeing hub in Falmouth.

Jess was diagnosed with Alopecia at the age of 12 and battled with the symptoms until her death.

Alopecia is the general term for hair loss and Jess suffered with Alopecia Areata which is thought to be an autoimmune condition which causes hair to fall out.

A lot remains unknown about Alopecia but what is known is it has a significant impact on the mental health and self-image of those diagnosed with it. It can be painful and can cause other practical implications which may limit or change what you are able to do.

The fairy tale ending has never involved a prince slaying a dragon to save the bald girl and live happily ever after, nor has the prince ever been bald.

Due to Alopecia being relatively uncommon with so little known about it, many people diagnosed with it feel alone and helpless with a total lack of control over the symptoms and their own bodies. Jess never knew anyone who also suffered from Alopecia Areata that she could openly speak with.

Many people are not aware of the causes of hair loss and may not know how to respond to someone with hair loss making it a difficult subject to talk about.

By raising funds for Alopecia UK, they can continue promoting awareness about Alopecia and it’s psychological impact and support research into causes and treatments.

Our challenge:

Portreath to the Lizard. 4 Days. 86 Miles. Carrying plenty of food and water and expecting Cornish weather on the way.

Our aim:

DAY 1: Portreath - Zennor

DAY 2: Zennor – Porthcurno

DAY 3: Porthcurno – Porthleven 

DAY 4: Porthleven – Lizard