Our 2023 Fundraising hero - Vicky Malmsjo

Congratulations to Vicky who has been an absolute star in running 1,326 miles in 2023 and raising almost £3,000 for EGFR+ UK.

Vicky’s contribution to our work, however has been much more than fundraising. We greatly value her positivity, enthusiasm and commitment to the Charity and our cause.

Vicky’s Story

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Vicky Malmsjo and I am absolutely delighted to be chosen as the EGFR+ Fundraising Hero 2023.

As some of you may know, I sadly lost my beautiful Mum, Cathy Malmsjo on the 13th January 2023 just 9 months after she was diagnosed with EGFR+. My Mum was the bravest, kindest, most loving and caring person in the world. She was also incredibly determined not to let her diagnosis stop her from doing the things she loved and last year with stage 4 terminal cancer she still managed to walk an incredible 750 miles.

Mum loved walking, she took part in an online challenge every year called Walk 1000 Miles and last year was really disappointed when she didn't quite make it to the 1,000 mile point and receive her medal. So I told her that I would start the challenge myself on the 1st January and get the medal for her, but I would challenge myself to run the 1000 miles instead of walking them.

Fast forward to now and I've run a whopping 1,326 miles in total this year. I've completed 15 half marathons and on 28th December I ran a full 26.2 mile marathon all the time knowing that lots of you were outside running and walking virtually with me too!

I have raised almost £3000 in fundraising for EGFR+ and I don't intend to stop anytime soon as I have a place for the London Marathon in April 2024 and will continue for as long as I can to raise awareness about and support EGFR+. I was also proud to become the Essex & Suffolk Regional Ambassador this year and host monthly meet ups for those if you living in this area.

I will never be able to show my gratitude enough for what EGFR+ UK did to help my Mum. As a family we knew very little about her diagnosis and didn't get access the Facebook group ourselves until after Mum had passed away. It was only then that we were able to see the huge level of support, advice and guidance that was shared with Mum. In some of her darkest moments it was EGFR+ UK that she was able to turn to get the answers she needed and the support from her peers. So what I have done this year pales in comparison to what you were able to do for Mum when she needed you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.