Two Trust colleagues are taking on a tough fundraising challenge after a life‑changing health diagnosis brought them back together following 30 years apart.
Learning disability link worker Lisa Boyer has been by the side of pal Louise Redpath every step of the way during her battle against breast cancer over the past year.
Now the mums, who work for our adult learning disability team in Middlesbrough, are planning two sponsored walks to raise funds for breast cancer charities.
“We are hoping to give back to the healthcare teams that supported me on my journey back to health,” said Louise, a transitions nurse from Middlesbrough.
“Any donations will go to some very good causes, and we are aiming to raise awareness of the importance of attending health screenings along the way as well.”
Life-changing health diagnosis
Louise was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2025, after a routine mammogram. With no family history of the disease, the news came as a devastating shock.
“I really didn’t have time to think,” she said. “I attended a recall appointment, had a biopsy and was given a cancer nurse and a treatment plan all in one go.
“Ridiculous thoughts went through my head – how would I get home from hospital; would I be here for Christmas? I didn’t know what to do and ended up phoning Lisa.
“She helped me make sense of things and even made me laugh during the darker times. She has been by my side every step of the way.”
Work helps rekindle friendship
Louise, 52, and Lisa, 55, had known each other decades earlier – with Louise being a bridesmaid at Lisa’s sister’s wedding – but they lost touch until February 2024.
Both unknowingly started work in the adult learning disability team on the same day – and a staff newsletter featuring Lisa’s photo helped spark the reunion.
“It’s been an absolute joy to have Louise back in my life,” said Lisa, from Darlington. “Her strength, tenacity and humour through everything have been incredible.
“Louise is like a superwoman. She’s been amazing though it all. Everyone who meets her admires the way she has dealt with her illness in such a positive way.”
Humour helps on journey to recover
Family, friends and colleagues all rallied to support Louise through her cancer treatment last year – with Lisa proving an “absolute rock” during the hardest of times.
“The most difficult thing I had to do was tell my three children what was happening. That will be forever etched in my memory,” said Louise.
“After that, I just tried to carry on as normal. You never know how you’ll react to something like this until it happens, but Lisa helped me laugh again.
“Humour has been a big part of my recovery. I found my kindred spirit in Lisa, and she has been selfless with her support.”
Raising awareness to help others
The friends are determined to give back to those who supported Louise – and will hold their sponsored walks over the night of 15 and 16 May.
They have already raised £600 and hope to push that total into the thousands.
“We’d originally planned to do the Moon Walk together – which is a 26‑mile overnight trek around London landmarks – but, due to health reasons, I can’t do it at the moment,” said Louise.
“So, I’ll be doing a virtual walk in Middlesbrough instead, at the same time as Lisa does the Moon Walk in London. We’ll FaceTime each other, so it still feels like we’re doing it together.”
The pair have been training for the event with regular walks around Flatts Lane, and are often joined by family members and colleagues.
“This walk is my way of giving back,” said Louise. “We want to promote how vital it is to attend routine mammograms. Mine saved my life.
“As to the future – well, I’ll carry on being as healthy as possible and laugh my way through whatever happens!”
- If you would like to sponsor Louise and Lisa please take a look at their fundraising page.
