A Sandbach woman is gearing up for a major fundraising walk next weekend - in memory of her mum who died aged just 33 from breast cancer.

Chloe Smith who lives on the outskirts of Sandbach has helped raise over £300,000 for Breast Cancer Now in memory of her mum Lucy, who died in 2015.

Now Chloe is getting ready for her another fundraising event, Breast Cancer Now's Pink Ribbon Walk, next weekend in the Peak District.

Chloe with her mum Lucy on Lucy's wedding day. (Photo: Breast Cancer Now)

The 26-year-old, who completed the London Marathon in 2019 and 2022 for the charity, is doing the walk with her grandad, David Smith aged 69.

Chloe is calling on fellow fundraisers to join her and her grandad at Chatsworth House for her second time walking to raise money for the charity's world-class research and support.

Chloe said: "In 2013 my mum, aged 31 at the time found a lump in her breast.

"Shortly afterwards, we were told that she had a diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer.

Chloe at last year's Breast Cancer Now's Pink Ribbon Walk. (Photo: Breast Cancer Now)

"I was 16 at the time and we were incredibly hopeful that her treatment would be positive.

"However, it quickly became clear that there were many difficulties in the way, and her form of cancer was particularly aggressive.

"The cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, and she began chemotherapy and then radiotherapy.

"Shortly after the chemotherapy and radiotherapy finished, she felt a lump under her arm, near her back.

"A biopsy confirmed that the cancer had returned. Further chemotherapy sessions were given, but during this time the tumour doubled in size and spread back into her breast.

"Her cancer was incurable. My mum was incredibly brave and resilient every step of the way, armed with questions regarding what happens next- she showed no fear.

"There were limited options left, and the oncologist told her to 'do the things in life that she wanted to do', something that was pretty gut wrenching to hear. My mum was 33 years old, I thought she would be around forever."

Chloe with mum Lucy. (Photo: Breast Cancer Now)

Chloe added: "Throughout my whole life, my mum has empowered me to be a strong, independent woman and to make the best of my life.

"The night before she passed away, she encouraged me to go out and try to enjoy myself. I was wearing an outfit she purchased for my birthday, she asked me to do a twirl and she said, 'you look beautiful Chloe'.

"Those were the last words that she said to me, and I hold on to them forever. She passed away from triple negative breast cancer aged 33 that next morning surrounded by her family and friends. She is so incredibly missed, but her legacy lives on through all that know and love her."

Chloe, her mum and Lucy's husband Jason, set up a series of fundraising events to help other patients before Lucy died from breast cancer. 

Spurred on to support breast cancer research, Lucy's family and friends have caried on Legacy4Lucy, with activities such as golf days, dinners and coffee mornings, raising money for Breast Cancer Now.

Claire Pulford, Associate Director, Community and Events at Breast Cancer Now, said: "We're so happy to welcome Chloe back to one of our Pink Ribbon Walks at Chatsworth House this year.

"Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the words "you have breast cancer" and money raised from Pink Ribbon Walk events will help us to provide support for today and hope for the future for people affected by breast cancer.

"Whether it's a new challenge or breath-taking views you're looking for, join us at a Pink Ribbon Walk this year. It's a chance to come together with friends, family, your four-legged companion or to walk solo, making a real difference to anyone affected by breast cancer."

Further information about signing up for the Pink Ribbon Walk at Chatsworth House can be found here