Miles for Medicine

15/03/2026

14.3.2026 . It’s exactly a year since Leon set off on the Pacific Crest Trail to raise funds for Kelly’s immunotherapy treatment.
What a flipping terrible year it has been, truly the hardest our family has ever had to endure.
This time last year we were still full of hope. We were anxious of course, but we really believed that we would get through it, Leon would complete the walk and Kelly would beat the cancer.
Sadly, it was not to be.
Kelly has now been gone for three and a half months and she has left a terrible gap in all of our lives, one we are all still struggling to come to terms with. We are taking things one day at a time, and with the tremendous support of family and friends it does slowly get a little easier.
The hardest part for me has been watching and worrying about Ross, Jake and Kenzie. Ross has been an absolute superstar and is doing an incredible job in his role now as a single parent, but there are moments, birthdays, sports days, school events, when I just feel so sad for the children, missing their mum.
Kelly is very much alive in all of our hearts. We hold tightly to the happy memories and the laughter she brought into our lives.
To help support the children going forward, we have opened a trust to assist Ross with Jake and Kenzie’s education.
Thank you to everyone who has walked beside us this past year, for the kindness, the messages, the prayers, and the support. It has meant more than you will ever know.
We miss you every single day, Kelly. ❤️

03/12/2025

02/12/2025

Stop all the clocks, dismantle the stars

Rest in everlasting peace, our beautiful Kelly May 💔

30/08/2025

It is said that a parent is only as happy as their unhappiest child. I think that the helplessness that a parent feels is the hardest part to deal with and daily I wish I could trade places with Kelly .
It almost 2 years that our worst fears were confirmed and we heard that Kelly had Cancer. That seems like a life time ago and at the same time just yesterday. Such a terrible time for Kelly and of course everyone close to her. We continue to soldier on, taking one day at a time .
We are so grateful for the incredible support that we have had throughout her continuing ordeal . This has been a shining light through all of this darkness for us. The kindness from not just our special Victoria Falls Community, our friends and family near and far but also from strangers. Not only support for her medication through the go fund me but also prayers and a network of support helping Ross and the kids . People have just been incredible .
When Leon had to get off the PCT trail a few months ago we were really concerned on how we were going to manage to continue keeping up with the massive medical bills but already the community was working towards other ways to raise funds . To start with Ben Norton and his quest to tightrope across the Falls later in the year. This was followed by an incredible fundraiser done by the Vic Falls Cricket club raffle raising $2000 . Garth Prichard from “The social Cycle Club” also organised a sponsored cycle ride and raised a further $2241 for Kelly. Just more amazing , caring support from our Vic Falls community .
It is a year since Kelly started immunotherapy, it is not a quick cure and she has had many complications along the way , but she has managed to keep strong and positive through it all and like I said before , we soldier on , a day at a time . We are now half way towards our gofundme goal and at this stage have managed to keep up with paying for the ketruda/immunotherapy . Leon has been resting his knee since he got off the trail and if all goes well he will return next year to try and finish it off .
Much love to all of you out there – Thank you all for sharing and caring !

07/07/2025

It's Kelly's birthday today! 🌻🌻🌻🌻 Wishing you a beautiful and very special day Kels, one to match your beautiful and very special heart 💜💜💜 Kelly Coventry 🌻🌻🌻

03/07/2025

Remember we said we couldn't think of anything to top Leon’s epic journey on the Pacific Crest Trail to raise money for Kelly’s treatment, and honestly, we still can't - we are running on fumes and prayers over here y'all…

But somehow, this incredible team has managed to come up with something truly epic to carry the torch forward.

We’re beyond proud, deeply grateful, and honestly a little relieved to be passing the baton to Benji Norton. The love, respect, and admiration we have for you run deep.

This, this right here, is why we love Victoria Falls. It’s not just a place. It’s a community with a spirit so powerful, it lifts you when you’re on your knees.

Please take a moment to watch Benji’s video and follow his journey. He’s doing something extraordinary for us and every share, like, and donation helps keep Kelly’s treatment going.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. A million times over.
💛

In 6 months' time, I'm going to walk a highline across Victoria Falls.The goal is to raise $25,000 for Kelly Varley, a resident of my home town battling canc...

09/06/2025

An Update on Dad’s Walk for Kelly

After giving it everything he had - three separate attempts and hundreds of kilometers - Dad has made the tough (but sensible) decision to stop walking the Pacific Crest Trail and come home to rest.

His knee has continued to trouble him, and the truth is, it needs months to heal properly, not just weeks.

As a family, we’re tired. We’ve been deeply worried about Kelly, of course - but also constantly anxious about Dad out there, navigating rivers and tough terrain on a dodgy leg. The stop-start rhythm has been tough emotionally and financially, and it’s clear now that pushing through just isn’t worth the risk to his health.

Dad is as stubborn as they come and he still intends to finish the trail one day. But it’s time to press pause and focus on healing.

Thanks to your incredible support, Kelly’s treatment is covered through until September. Dad's walk was so legendary, I am not sure we could ever replicate anything as great but if donations continue to come in, even slowly, we’ll make it work. We’re a resourceful family, and we will find a way - but not at the expense of Dad’s well-being.

Huge round of applause to Leon Varley Walking Safaris - We are so incredibly proud of him.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, y'all.

💙 The Family

05/06/2025

🌈 After some rest and quality time with family in beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona, Leon has been approved to return to the trail! 👣

The rainbow is a sign of brighter days ahead for him and for Kelly!

Here's to continued strength, perseverance, and of course, the trail magic that always seems to show up when it's needed the most 🪄

Thanks for your support, everyone!

28/05/2025

Mile 276.6 - We can do hard things 💜

27/05/2025

Very tough day for Leon Varley, but he isn't letting it get him down 💪💪

One step at a time, one day at a time - your physical and mental strength is admirable 🫡, we are so proud of you 🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼

25/05/2025

This video says it all 🥹🌻



https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-kelly-with-her-medical-bills?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR5vmwZlxe9nKCLghrHfREcJuOWTNJqOsIP5epUibvq1y3xZnkVa0DFAeheciQ_aem_AOraq1LHvmq0JRpgIacfqg

23/05/2025

Back on the Trek: Pacific Crest Trail- 11 kgs lighter and full of smiles! 😁👣