THIS Sunday (July 1), join well-known Launceston Town Councillor, Val Bugden-Cawsey, as she stands tall in the face of cancer by taking part in a sponsored walk and cream tea.

Val has received the devastating diagnosis that she has a rare form of cancer, malignant melanoma.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment available to cure her, but she is putting all her effort into this fundraiser to help others who may find themselves in the same situation.

Six years ago, Val had a lump removed from her right shoulder, which turned out to be malignant melanoma.

After further surgery at that time, and five years attending Derriford Hospital regularly for checks, she went into remission in June 2017.

Having not felt well for some time, another lump appeared in her left groin in December, which was removed recently.

Following a CT scan and histology results, Val, and her husband Terry, have been coming to terms with the news that she has advanced malignant melanoma which has spread.

However, Val is determined to, in her own words ‘turn the frown upside down’ and try to do something positive to raise funds for research into this particularly aggressive form of cancer while she can.

The first part invites people to gather at Launceston Medical Centre for 2pm and then begin a three-mile walk from the surgery to Pennygillam, Chapel, St Johns and back to the Town Hall.

Both Maunders and Launceston College have also offered their car parks for people to use.

Mini-buses, donated by St Joseph’s School, will shadow the walk for those who are unable to walk the route. Then at the town hall, a special cream tea event will be held.

A £5 donation is asked for each part of the event — the walk and the cream tea, and any additional donations are also welcomed.

The event is being supported by Launceston Town Council and the St Stephen-by-Launceston branch of the Women’s Institute, two groups that Val has been greatly involved in.

The Town Hall has been given free of charge, and mayor, Margaret Young, her team, and the WI members will be in charge of refreshments.

There will also be a cake stall, raffle and auction. Some fantastic prizes have been donated by businesses all over town.

They are happy for people to donate cakes from 12 noon at the Town Hall.

Val hopes to see as many people there as possible!