An IRVINE girl is walking 10,000 steps every day in June to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Pavy Shergill, 19, is taking part in the Walk All Over Cancer campaign organised by Cancer Research UK for those in her life who have been affected by the the condition, including her mum who is currently receiving cancer treatment.

Pavy, a key worker in the local Morrisons, has already raised £800 in just under a week.

Pavy said: “Since the Race for Life is cancelled this year, I thought it would be good to do this instead. Everything I’m seeing is COVID-related and I feel a bit helpless so I want to do something positive.

“I set a reasonable target for around £200 but I’ve been so overwhelmed with support from friends, customers and colleagues. At the end of every day I post a picture of where I’ve been and I’ve got an activity tracker on my phone to track what I’m doing. I’m walking around 12,000 steps each day.

“My mum started chemotherapy but I’m still working so we’ve had to separate the house because we can’t be in the same room or use the same things. We’re avoiding paths and I just feel so helpless because I can’t even give her a hug. My challenge has cheered her up, though. She loves seeing where I’ve gone.

“My own mental health is improving already by being out and not being stuck in the house scrolling on my phone. I didn’t have anything to look forward to but now I have motivation to go out and see new things. Being with nature is so nice and calming.

“I just never realised until I started doing this how many people are affected by cancer. It’s scary so I’m just trying to do what I can to bring positivity.”

Harpreet, Pavy’s sister, is continuing the family’s kind actions by donating fruit and scones from the family-owned Premier Irvine Late Shop to the chemotherapy treatment ward at Crosshouse Hospital.

Harjit Sapkota, Pavy and Harpreet’s other sister, said: “My little sisters Harpreet and Pavinder, as well as working in the family business, are taking time out their own lives to the raise spirits of those in hospital and raise money for cancer research.

“This is a charity very close to our hearts affecting lots of people including our family and friends. Pavy is a very determined young lady and I know that she will do well.

“All the family continue to encourage her throughout this challenge.”

You can sponsor Pavy by donating in store or via https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/pavy-walks-all-over-cancer?fbclid=IwAR3CdENiSNP3RjIzeW7doSefFk7lr2Hg0xCt_WaEWRDl_O3HfoFX81k0Blc

  *******************

Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We’re not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Irvine Times, and the vital local news service we’ve provided since 1873, is under threat.

Please consider supporting the Irvine Times in whatever way you can – by paying just 90p for a copy of the paper, when you’re shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.

Thanks – and stay safe.