A determined Stockport woman is turning her cancer survival story into an extraordinary testament of resilience, embarking on a gruelling series of walks totalling more than 550 kilometres (342 miles) to mark two decades since her rare cancer diagnosis.
Gemma Read, who was first diagnosed with pleomorphic soft tissue sarcoma as a teenager in 2004, will commemorate her 20 years all-clear by challenging herself and her partner to a series of epic walking challenges across the UK and Europe, raising vital funds for Sarcoma UK.
In April 2004, Gemma, who at the time was a teenager, was getting dressed for college. She found a lump on the back of her leg. She went to her GP who told her it was a cyst.
Gemma was told to keep an eye on the lump and to return to the GP if it continued to grow. By August, it had grown and Gemma was sent for a scan.
In November 2004, she received the shocking news that she had pleomorphic soft tissue sarcoma. The lump, which had grown to the size of a golf ball, required surgery and Gemma then received chemotherapy.
Her ordeal continued when she then found another lump in her groin. This turned out to be cancerous lymph nodes, which were removed. Gemma received radiotherapy, which finished in July 2005. Happily, since then she has had no recurrences of cancer. She has annual check-ups to make sure she remains all clear.
Gemma, 37, a financial controller for a mental health organisation, said: ‘I know many people who have had sarcoma are not as fortunate as I have been. It makes me realise you have to make the most of life. In July, I will celebrate being 20 years all-clear from sarcoma, so I’ve decided to go big on the challenges.’
A keen walker, Gemma and her partner Chris have set themselves a series of gruelling challenges during 2025 which will raise money for charity Sarcoma UK.
They will take part in the Rome half-marathon and Bath 50km Ultra Challenge in March; the 300km Coast to Coast from Cumbria to Yorkshire in May; the Peak District 100km challenge in June and the Gower Peninsula Ultra 100km Challenge in July.
The couple have a fundraising target of £1,000 and have been training with their dog Ziggy.
Gemma said: ‘The money we raise will fund vital research and offer support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and boost campaigns for better treatments.’
Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Sarcoma UK’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: ‘Gemma’s incredible 20-year milestone and her ambitious fundraising challenge are really impressive. Her story highlights why early detection and proper diagnosis of sarcoma are so crucial – that initial lump was mistaken for a cyst, which is sadly all too common with sarcomas. It’s particularly meaningful that Gemma is using her own experience to help others affected by this rare cancer. The 550km she plans to walk across the UK and Europe will help fund vital research and support services for people affected by sarcoma. While we celebrate Gemma’s remarkable recovery, we’re also mindful that many sarcoma patients face different outcomes, which is why continued research and awareness are so essential. We’re incredibly grateful for supporters like Gemma who help make our work possible.’
To donate to Gemma, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gemma-read-2025
