A young woman diagnosed with a brain tumour aged four who also lost her 15-year-old friend to a brain tumour has completed an extraordinary 350-mile walk from her hometown of Nottingham to Paris.
Eleica Hines, 20, arrived at the finish line under the Eiffel Tower 19 days after setting out from David Lloyd Club, Nottingham Aspley Lane, where she works. During that time, she had to contend with torrential rain and gales, as well as having to dodge fast-moving traffic on roads without pavements, carrying everything she needed to complete the challenge.
Twice Eleica found herself stranded so far from civilisation, she had to sleep the night in a tent and then set out in the morning without breakfast – even on one occasion walking in pouring rain for 10 miles before she found somewhere to eat.
The intrepid hiker underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour as a youngster, after experiencing vomiting and losing weight, as well as loss of balance and her right eye turning inwards. After her operation, she had to learn to walk again and has been left with issues with her fine motor skills.
In 2021, Eleica lost her friend Erin Kiggins (pictured top centre) suddenly from an undiagnosed brain tumour, after Erin had a massive seizure from which she never came round.
Eleica said: “The journey from Nottingham to Paris was painful, but nowhere near as painful as it is for those living with a brain tumour or for the family and friends who have lost loved ones to the disease. I could choose at any point to stop my journey, but for those with a brain tumour, they do not get that choice to stop the journey. It made me determined to keep going.
“Erin had her whole life ahead of her and it still hits me hard that she was taken away far too soon. She was funny, strong-willed, loyal and just a genuine nice person. I really feel for her two brothers, mother and father and all those she touched by her presence.”
The David Lloyd Club on Nottingham Aspley Lane has been extremely supportive to Eleica, also giving her lots of help to raise funds. To date Eleica has raised more than £5,000, but is determined to continue until she reaches her ultimate target of £10,000.
To help Eleica achieve the magic £10,000, please donate here.
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Published Wednesday 23rd October 2024