Corrie's Sally Dynevor takes on huge challenge – 16 years after cancer diagnosis

Coronation Street's Sally Dynevor MBE will be swapping the cobbles for a huge challenge. The legendary actress, famed for playing Sally Metcalfe on the ITV soap opera, will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for a cause which is extremely close to her heart.

This November will be 16 years since the 62-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer, the same year her character was also diagnosed. Following her diagnosis, Lancashire-born Sally had a lumpectomy and six months of chemotherapy treatment and has since gone on to make a full recovery.

Sally will be joined by her son, Sam, for the trek up the dormant Tanzanian volcano, which is the highest free-standing mountain above sea level in the world, at 5,895m. "In September, my mum and I will be embarking on the challenge of a lifetime—climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Prevent Breast Cancer, the only UK charity dedicated solely to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer," Sam said.

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He went on to say: "It's a cause that's particularly close to our hearts. In November, it will be sixteen years since my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. Like so many other families, we never thought it could happen to us. But it did.

"I still remember hearing the news—it felt like life had changed in an instant, and that's the reality for so many families. Every year, over 55,900 individuals are diagnosed with breast cancer – that's 153 people a day.

"Fortunately, my mum was diagnosed early, and we've since learned just how crucial early detection and prevention are. Today, my mum is not just a survivor – she's also a passionate advocate and Patron for Prevent Breast Cancer, raising awareness and supporting the vital research needed to prevent others from facing what she went through."

Writing on the JustGiving page, Sam added that he "couldn't be prouder" of Sally's work for the charity. She has cycled from London to Paris and trekked through the Himalayas to Mount Everest's base camp. However, Sam said that despite some choosing to run marathons to raise funds, this wasn't his style as he's "not much of a runner."

The mother and son are hoping to raise £7,000 for Prevent Breast Cancer and have already raised a staggering £5,527 from 105 donations. Sally's co-star, David Neilson and his wife Jane have donated £200, writing: "Good luck you two, and well done!"

Meanwhile, Tony Maudsley, who plays George Shuttleworth, wrote alongside his donation: "The Dynevor's are thrashing Kilimanjaro!! Good luck, you two!" Sally's doting husband, Tim, commented: "This is fabulous, so immensely proud of you both raising money for such a brilliant cause."

Speaking previously about the climb, Sally told the Mirror: "I am quite nervous about it. We're camping in the middle of nowhere, and it's very cold when you get up to the top. But I'm determined and I'm definitely going to do my very best to get to the summit.

"I know people struggle with altitude sickness, but we've got a great guide, and I think it's important to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Life is exciting when you challenge yourself. It's a big, wide world out there."

Despite having previously taken ill with altitude sickness on her climb to the Everest base camp, Sally is devoted to fundraising for Prevent Breast Cancer - is undeterred, saying: "It's the only charity in Europe committed solely to predicting and preventing breast cancer.

"We're currently building a training hospital at the Nightingale Centre, where we train radiographers for screenings and mammograms, so they can go and work around the country because there's a shortage. We need to be preventing these diseases, not living with the consequences when they've happened."

If you would like to donate to Prevent Breast Cancer, please visit Sally and Sam's JustGiving page for more info.

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.

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