Hodgson set for 100 miles this March

One woman. One week. One hundred miles.

We’re just over two months into 2026 and Teresa’s already set her sights on another gruelling challenge, and it’s her biggest, most personal one to date.

This year, she’s setting herself the challenge of running 100 miles in the space of seven days.

It’s one of her biggest and most personal challenges to date. She’s raising funds for Club Doncaster Foundation’s Cancer Support provision. A group that resonates with her, after sadly losing her daughter, Gemma, to cancer in 2022.

She’s starting on Monday, March 23, the anniversary of her daughter’s passing, and will finish with the Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday, March 29. 

Speaking of why, she said: “My daughter, Gemma Louise Walker, was diagnosed with skin cancer and she had a four year battle, before she passed away, where she gave it everything she had. 

“She was a strong person like me, a bundle of energy.

“I promised Gemma that I wouldn’t give up fundraising. She was always passionate about supporting others and always said, if you can, you should. 

“So I’m starting on her anniversary, in memory of her, because I promised her that I wouldn’t give up.

“I still feel heartbroken, but I know that I can channel that heartbreak into something positive, and that’s what I need to do for Gemma and for everybody that’s on this journey with cancer.”

Each day will see her clock up the miles, at various times, with live updates throughout the week, as every step she takes and every mile she covers, she’s doing to support those living through treatment, loved ones and in memory of those who are no longer with us. 

Deciding to raise funds to support the programme, Teresa said: “One in two people are affected by cancer. A fitness programme, specifically tailored for those going through their cancer journey, is brilliant.

“Gemma was a get up and go kind of person. Myself and her, we found, if you wanted support, you had to go to a coffee morning, or it was a cancer nurse that was supporting you.

“So a fitness class, she would have been here, because you’ve got that opportunity to have a bit of exercise, you can have the conversations and the quiz aswell. It takes your mind off, for a moment, you aren’t a cancer patient. You’re an individual.

“I absolutely think if this was here when Gemma was alive, it would have been so good for her, she’d have been here like a shot.” 

The Fit Rovers Cancer Support is in its infancy and was first set up in 2024. The group allows those who have recently had a cancer diagnosis, undergoing or waiting for treatment, in remission or someone wanting to support a friend or family member, to attend the session to get help and support. 

The two-hour session, includes a form of physical activity for all abilities followed by a quiz or catch up with other attendees, where different topics can be discussed and peer support is there to help promote the health and wellbeing of individuals.

All the money raised from Hodgson’s Hundred, will continue to support those who attend the weekly sessions.

Over the course of the week, there will be opportunities to join Teresa on her challenge, with more information shared closer to the time. 

You can also support Teresa by donating to her JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/hodgsons-hundred

If you’d like more information about the Fit Rovers Cancer Support group, please contact joseph.saunders@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk.