Torrential rain and flooded tents didn’t stop Catherine trekking 100km after cancer ordeal

When Catherine Wyles underwent breast cancer surgery followed by gruelling chemo and radiotherapy last year, the last thing she imagined doing was trekking 100km across the Isle of Skye.

But that is exactly what she has just done, including a 12,000 feet ascent.

Catherine, from Elmswell, endured storms bringing torrential rain, gales and flooded tents, alongside bogs, horseflies, high summits and cliffside paths that made her want to cry! 

But she also enjoyed endless laughter, deep joy, bonding, breathtaking views, pride, waterfalls and a group of women that left her “in complete awe”. 

It was all in aid of CoppaFeel the youth-focused breast cancer awareness charity.

Did she enjoy it? ”Yes doesn’t even cover it, I am so glad I did it and I made five lifelong friends.” is her response.

Catherine, who works at UK Power Networks, in Barton Road, Bury St Edmunds, says the breast cancer was almost expected as so many female relatives have had it.

She said: “It’s like a stick of rock running through us”.

She was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in October 2023 and underwent surgery the following month, followed by other treatments and was finally given the all clear in April this year.

She realised during the low points of her treatment that there was so much she took for granted like holding a toothbrush and climbing the stairs.

“I lost so much muscle mass that I promised to get strong and get outdoors,“ she said.

Catherine has two daughters Edith, 20 and Iris, 15 and decided that a youth-based charity would be a good one to support, which is how she heard about CoppaFeel’s Isle of Skye week-long trek. 

She says everyone on the trek had a story whether it was their personal one or about a close friend or relative.

She said: “I also realised the level of joy being in nature gives me. At weekends I’m doing  walks and wild swimming now.”

Her daughters supported her throughout and are so proud of their mum’s achievement.

She raised more than £3,300 as part of the £530,000 team funding, and the total’s still growing.

To support the cause, see her page on Just Giving: Catherine Wyles is fundraising for CoppaFeel!