Suki Thompson’s charity initiative adds silent auction to Macmillan fundraising drive

Suki’s Steps and Swim, the charity initiative set up by the chair of Oystercatchers Suki Thompson, has raised almost £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and is hoping to boost that with the launch of a silent auction.

Thompson, who has been battling cancer for a number of years, has said she is now sadly on the final stage of her journey and wants to do what she can to raise money for Macmillan in the time she has left.

A silent auction will take place online on 10 July where you will be able to bid on items such as a hospitality box at Crystal Palace, holidays in Barbados, Portugal, and Cornwall, or a shoot with renowned photographer Rankin. To take part and for more details go to the auction site.

The auction will run just ahead of Suki’s Steps & Swim, which is calling on the marketing industry and beyond to participate in a six-mile walk along the River Chess on 16 July. The walk will begin at 10am, leaving from Chalfont & Latimer Station (on the Metropolitan Line). Participants are encouraged to stop at the many pubs along the way to catch up with friends and colleagues before reaching the finish line in Chesham. Click here to register for the walk.

Oystercatchers chair launches Suki’s Steps to raise money for MacmillanOn the same day, a charity swim will be taking place on Perranporth Beach in Cornwall. Those interested in taking part should head to The Watering Hole for a 10am start.

Thompson has chosen to raise funds for Macmillan as the charity has supported her since her first diagnosis in 2010 and she has been a trustee for a number of years.

To find out more about the initiative and to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support visit Suki’s Just Giving page. You can also follow her journey on Instagram – @SukiThompson.

More than 20,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year and in August 2014, Suki became one of these people.

“What started as a melanoma on my left foot has spread and become a brain tumour. And it’s this tumour which means my own journey is now coming to an end. So, in the time I have left, I want to help as many people as I can,” she says.

“So, please, if you remember one thing it’s that 90% of melanomas are caused by UV light and sunlight. Do your research on how to spot them and how to grade how serious they are. I’m here in my beloved Cornwall and the sun is shining very brightly. I love the beach more than anyone, but it can be deadly. So, if you notice a new mole or spot one that’s changing, see your doctor immediately. And even if you think you’re safe, please see your doctor anyway to get checked regularly. It’s the only way that we can get under the skin of this cancer that kills”.