"When I was first diagnosed, I felt completely alone. There was no guidance, no support, just fear. "
Sherralyn Drury
Walk With Me
Raising vital funds to help save lives & improve outcomes for people affected by primary bone cancer.
Sherralyn's Story
In April 2021, I was diagnosed with Giant Cell Tumour of the Bone, a rare and aggressive type of bone tumour. It came as a complete shock, discovered unexpectedly during what was meant to be a routine knee operation, having been misdiagnosed.
The tumour was in my left femur, and it recurred quickly. That meant more extensive surgery, and by November 2021, I had to have an endoprosthesis fitted and soft tissue removed to ensure clear margins. The diagnosis and treatment changed everything, forcing me into early retirement.
Before all this, I was active and loved taking part in long walks and Parkrun events. These days, I stay mobile and keep my fitness up through hydrotherapy two to three times a week. It’s become an important part of my life, and it's been lovely to see how my commitment has inspired others at the local pool to start pool walking too.
When I was first diagnosed, I felt completely alone. There was no guidance, no support, just fear. A MacMillan Support Officer directed me to the Bone Cancer Research Trust, and that moment changed everything. BCRT sent me an information pack that helped me understand my diagnosis and to explain what was happening to my family and friends which was incredibly useful.
I started joining BCRT’s Virtual Cuppa sessions and attended my first in-person conference in 2022 and even gave a speech about my experiences. I can honestly say the support I’ve received from the charity and its network has been a lifeline during a time that often felt isolating and overwhelming.
I also discovered the story of Sydney Stern, a specialist research scientist & patient herself, who helped me understand the updated World Health Organization’s classification of Giant Cell Tumour of the Bone to reflect its aggressive nature. Talking to Sydney helped me feel seen - and less alone in my diagnosis.
I took part in an online painting session through BCRT and began creating artwork as a form of therapy. I now paint regularly and am delighted that other people find joy in my artwork too. Here are some of my pieces.
Sherralyn's Artwork
"The Walk With Me fund has grown out of everything I’ve experienced. It reflects the journey I’ve been on, and the incredible people who’ve walked with me both physically and metaphorically - family, friends, and even kind strangers. It’s about celebrating everyone who is affected, not just those of us with the diagnosis, but the people who support us through it all".
Sherralyn Drury
Walk With Me
Walk With Me is a truly inclusive walking challenge which encourages everyone to complete a 1K walk to receive a medal!
My young granddaughter Maisie has watched her amazing Mummy & Daddy win many medals for the events they have taken part in. She asked me what she could do to also get a medal… and so this challenge was born.
The challenge is open to all ages and all abilities, including those who may not consider themselves athletes. However you move whether on foot, in a wheelchair, or sitting in a pushchair (for the really little people) - you can take part.
How to Take Part
The challenge can be completed at a time and place to suit you, and everyone who completes it receives a medal, which is important to me - this isn’t just about raising money - although that is important too, but it’s also about honoring the unsung heroes, the people who walk beside us through life’s hardest moments; the carers, the friends, the family members, and even the strangers who offer support when we need it most.
I’d love to see communities come together around this - whether that’s families walking around the park, schools doing sponsored laps, or even people tagging the challenge onto their local Parkrun.
Walk With Me is about movement, connection, and celebration - of every step, every person, and every act of support.
Follow this link for more information and to sign up!
Other Ways to Get Involved
If walking isn’t your thing, no worries at all! There are so many other fantastic ways to support us; whether that’s skydiving, running a marathon, hosting a coffee morning, or coming up with your own amazing idea. However you choose to help, it really does make a difference.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for walking with me in whatever way you can. Your support truly means the world.
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Fundraising Pages
Friends & family who have Walked With Me
You can make a donation or pay in funds raised by cheque, payable to Bone Cancer Research Trust, to:
Bone Cancer Research Trust, 10 Feast Field, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4TJ.
Please ensure you make it clear that the donation is for Walk With Me so that your donation is allocated to the correct fund.
100% of donations to Walk With Me will go towards our life-saving work.