Great Wall trek in memory of Gareth

Malignant melanoma claims the lives of around 1,500 UK people each year. Relatively rare — it accounts for a tenth of all skin cancers — it is responsible for the most deaths.

If caught early the prospect of a full return to health is high — but that wasn’t the case for Saddleworth man Gareth Greenwood, who left his family and friends in a state of shock by the speed with which it took his life. His mother is now battling to raise awareness of the condition, and tells Marina Berry of her plans to help prevent other families suffering her torment.
A HEARTBROKEN mother whose son died from cancer in the prime of his life has taken on a massive challenge in his memory.

Jennifer Greenwood will leave her Lydgate home later this month for a seven-day trek on the Great Wall of China.

The feat will involve the 63-year-old climbing 12,000 steps and a terrifying walk on a narrow overgrown path, with no rails on either side.

Jennifer is taking on the challenge with her friend of over 40 years, Margaret Davies, as she battles to make sense of the tragedy which robbed her of one of her twin sons.

And the pair will tackle the walk in the days leading up to what would have been Gareth’s 35th birthday on November 1 — a day he will not be able to celebrate with his twin, Philip and the rest of his family and friends.

It was in January, last year, that Gareth died from malignant melanoma, described by his mother as “a short, shocking and very painful illness.”

And it was the fact that he had been so strong and healthy with a good metabolism, that the cancer spread so quickly.

Jennifer said: “The unbearable sense of loss and sadness is indescribable. It is now over a year since he died, but his loss is no less acute. Nothing can lessen my grief, but if I can help one more young person survive this terrible cancer, then that will be a small consolation.”

She added: “Part of the huge sadness and emptiness felt by his friends and family is for the loss of the many years when Gareth should have been having fun, achieving successes, enjoying new experiences and challenges and living his dreams.

“The agony felt by his family is matched only by the shock of losing him to malignant melanoma so quickly.

“It seemed as if one minute he was here, strong and determined, and the next he was gone. Losing him is still raw even after 18 months, but getting involved in fund-raising for research into malignant melanoma has helped us to look forward.”

The devastated family last year raised £9,000 for research and Jennifer hopes to bring in another £6,000 with the Great Wall of China trek, which begins on October 22.

The two women have promised that every penny donated by sponsors will go to fund vital research. They have pledged to pay all the costs of the trip themselves.

“It just seemed a fitting task to push ourselves to the limit both physically and mentally to earn support,” said Jennifer.

“It is how Gareth took on life and faced his death. He was a fighter. He loved life and he so much wanted to live. He has inspired us and I hope his story will inspire others. People have already been so kind. The support we have had is so humbling. My friends have sponsored me and told their friends — complete strangers have sent me money.”

Recalling memories before her son’s life was cut short, Jennifer said: “From the word go he was full of energy. He seemed to have burst in on life and was determined to make the most of it.

“He loved school and did very well in all subjects, finally achieving nine GCSEs. He did well in sport, played golf and football and was an excellent gymnast. He was also a strong swimmer and loved any water sports. He seemed to be fearless and tireless.”

Gareth worked in the family business, Lockwood & Greenwood Ltd, in Audenshaw, and developed a passion for fishing and travelling. His mother said he was not a sun-worshipper and always covered up and wore high-factor sun block after developing a reaction to the sun at the age of 11.

His zest for life made it all the more difficult for his family to witness the speed with which cancer took his life.

He was diagnosed in August, 2007, but despite treatment the cancer spread. In December, 2008, Gareth and his family were told there was nothing more doctors could do to help him. Gareth’s gritty determination to make the most of every moment saw him walk around Dovestone reservoir on a Saturday over the Christmas period with a friend and his faithful dog, Arthur, which he had rescued and nursed back to health from a terrible state.

His mother recalled: “He was in a lot of pain and on a high dosage of morphine, but he managed the two-and-a-half miles on a chilly December day.

“He was determined to get well and tried to eat and exercise and keep his energy levels up. By Monday, however, the pain was unbearable and he had to go into Willow Wood Hospice. He was never to come out. Just six days later he lost his battle and we had lost him forever.

“Gareth has inspired us all to make a difference in the treatment of malignant melanoma in his name.

Wonderful
“It will be a fitting tribute to a young man who you could never ignore when he was alive and will never ever be forgotten now he is no longer with us.

“It is good to know that all the funds we raise will have a direct result on the future of melanoma victims. Gareth would have said ‘cheers, thanks for that.’”

Jennifer’s message now is: “Please help me to help others. It will give a huge boost for the essential research being trailed at the wonderful Christie hospital that did all it could to help my son.”

Make a donation through http://hopefunds.christies.org/funds/garethgreenwood or send a cheque to: Jennifer VM Greenwood, 8 Lydgate Fold, Lydgate.