IT was a bittersweet occasion for Val Bugden-Cawsey, her family and friends as hundreds of people turned out for her charity walk on Sunday to help fund local research into treatment for malignant melanoma, writes Amy Dennis.

Val, Launceston town councillor, former president of St Stephens by Launceston Women’s Institute and well known across the South West for her hilarious circuit speaking, has sadly been diagnosed with an advanced and rare type of malignant melanoma, and in May was given six months to live.

In her own words, she said she decided ‘not to take this lying down’ — and instead vowed to ‘walk tall’ in spite of the diagnosis.

Unfortunately, there is no cure, and a trial drug would only offer a small per cent chance of more time, but with chronic side effects.

Val said she did not want to be a patient, and instead has focused all her energy on raising money to boost local research at Derriford Hospital, so that others who may find themselves in the same situation in future have a better chance at beating it.

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, her husband Terry, and their family and friends, have been coming to terms with the news that she has advanced malignant melanoma which has spread to her gallbladder, lungs and brain.

Val said Sunday’s fundraiser — a three-mile walk from Launceston Medical Centre to the town hall, with cream teas, auction and raffle — ‘has given me a focus and a goal — that’s a huge thing, trust me’.

Val, her family and friends who helped organise the event said they were humbled by the amazing turnout of hundreds of people.

This included a couple from Plymouth —John and Carole Partridge — who had seen Val share her story on Friday’s BBC Spotlight evening news. John said: “It really touched us. We wanted to come up and give her a huge hug. She’s doing stuff for other people, so why shouldn’t we do something for her? Maybe they can find a cure and we can look back and think Val helped.”

Val arrived to wave off walkers on a town council rubbish truck, and after heavy rain in the morning, the clouds had cleared just in time to give way to bright sunshine.

Val, speaking to the crowds through a megaphone, said: “Did I organise the weather or what? Yesterday, this time, it was 32 degrees in our back garden and I was so worried about how you would all cope in the heat so when it did what it did this morning I said thank you God, because it’s now 20 and it’s a beautiful afternoon, we are all so lucky to be here, together, sharing this day.

“You know what? In life, every moment is precious and trust me when I say I’m absolutely humbled to see you all here and there are equally as many people who like me are a bit rocky on their feet — with no gin and tonic to blame for that! — in the town hall already. Thank you so much. Onwards and upwards!”

Val took the opportunity before walkers set off to hand over the WI banner to St Stephens by Launceston WI president Louise Finn’s daughter, Catherine, so they could lead the walk, adding: “She is the future of so many things going forward as are your children and our grandchildren.”

Also doing the walk was North Cornwall Conservative MP Scott Mann and his family. He said of the amount of people who attended: “It’s incredible, absolutely incredible.

“Val has been working for me for the last six months, is such a fabulous person — I’ve known her for a long time before she came to work for me.

“To be inspired to come out and raise money for others, that takes a special kind of person. I’m full of admiration for how she is. I’m just very sad that someone who’s got such enthusiasm has been struck down by this condition but she’s absolutely embraced it. I have never known somebody who has got such strong character as that.”

Walkers were greeted at the town hall with cream teas and had chance to buy raffle tickets before town crier Rob Tremain conducted the auction.

A film was shown stressing the importance of protecting yourself from the sun.

Those in the hall heard melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and all funds raised will be earmarked for research into advanced melanoma.

Former county chairman of the Cornwall Federation of WIs, Barbara Corbett, told a packed town hall: “What a fantastic show of support.” She explained Val has been a huge supporter of the WI, Barbara herself during her chairmanship, and became a friend. She added: “If I had a glass I would raise it and propose a toast to dear Val. You have a long, hard journey ahead of you, but we are all behind you, offering our support. Chin up girl and walk tall.”

Val’s daughter-in-law, Jules Nicholls, spoke on Val’s behalf at the town hall: “As a family I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming and supporting Val. None of us are too small to make a difference. In three to five years there will be a more positive treatment plan for others.

“The NHS is working 110% — let’s celebrate them, not berate them.”

Terry presented flowers to mayor Margaret Young, who made more than 500 scones for the occasion; town council employee Kate Stark for her help in promoting the event; Louise Finn, described as Val’s ‘unofficial daughter’ and who helped organise the event; Helen Preator, who sat with Val for over two hours going through a huge list of WIs and spent days contacting them about the event; Barbara Corbett; and Val’s oldest friend, Joan Davey. Finally, Terry presented flowers to her grandaughter, Laura Cawsey, who Val had proudly told walkers is studying to be a midwife in Guildford.

Terry said: “I’m so proud of Val, my wife. Thank you to everyone who’s contributed, and for helping me through this journey. Every face I have looked at today, they have shown me so much love.”

There was a final surprise for Val when she was presented with the Citizen of the Year 2018 Award for services to the community and fundraising for medical research, by Barrie Boundy of Launceston Rotary Club.

Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/val-walks-tall or cheques made payable to Plymouth Hospitals Charity, with Val Bugden-Cawsey written on the reverse, send to Rob Turton, Charitable Funds Accountant, Ground Floor, NU Building, Brest Road, Plymouth, PL6 5YE.

Donations marked Val Bugden-Cawsey can also be sent to G F Gubbin Funeral Directors, Penlaurel, Langdon, Launceston, PL15 8NL or 01566 785340.

You can view a video of Val addressing the crowds ahead of the walk at Launceston Medical Centre on the Post Series’ YouTube.