Norwich firewalk in memory of Lucy Thompson in aid of Big C

Lucy lost her battle aged 44 on June 19 but had been working with the Big C to organise a firewalk in Norwich’s Castle Gardens.

When she died, family and friends knew they wanted to carry out her final challenge and did so in her memory on Sunday evening (August 6).

Lucy’s sister Hayley Calis, 38, said: “I think I can say for all of us we felt an overwhelming fear as we approached the firewalk challenge but once we reached the other side a feeling of accomplishment and utter pride. 

“We all felt lots of ‘fire kisses’ on the soles of our feet following the walk and we each shared our funny stories of bathing our feet in cool water once we were home.”

Stacey said it was a fantastic tribute to the bravery she showed all through her battle with cancer (Image: Hayley Calis)

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Lucy, who lived in Mulbarton, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2018 and, after being given the all-clear, she married Adam Thompson at Norwich Cathedral in July 2019.

However, symptoms returned during 2020 and the founder of Reality Estate Agents was told the cancer had spread to her liver.

Lucy’s mum Sally even braved the walk in memory of her daughter (Image: Hayley Calis)

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Sandy Smith, Lucy’s mum, said: “It was an amazing event of bravery by all Lucy’s friends and family.  

“A fantastic tribute to the bravery she showed all through her battle with cancer.  

Sisters Stacey and Hayley braved the coals in memory of their big sister Lucy (Image: Hayley Calis)

“I thank everybody who contributed towards the phenomenal amount raised and hope this will go a long way to finding a cure for this cruel disease which took my daughter too soon.”

READ MORE: Family of baby who needed major surgery so thankful 

Lucy’s nephew Ediz Calis pictured with the family wearing his ROAR T-shirt for his Auntie Lucy (Image: Leanne Miles)

There were a total of 68 people who took part in the walk, 15 of them in Lucy’s Team Roar.  

The team raised £16,172 for Bic C, with Sandy and Hayley joined by Stacey Matthews, Ben Clemmett, Rowena Mason, Lyn and Martin Greiller, Lou Roberts, Rae Williams, Tanya Blease, Amy Cannings, Clare Sandall, Paula Myles and Sal Edmonds.

Stacey Matthews far left, Anne Colby, Hayley Calis and Sandy Smith (Image: Anne Colby)

Folk can donate to their cause until August 30 by searching for Lucy Thompson on Justgiving.com.

Hayley said she felt adrenaline when taking the walk (Image: Hayley Calis)