Student teacher who died of rare cancer to be honoured in hill challenge

The family of a teaching student is among hundreds of people trying to hike all seven of Edinburgh’s hills to raise money in her “bright memory.”

Andrew Walker, partner Debby, and son Ross are participating in the 7 Hills Challenge run by Business Beats Cancer Edinburgh.

His daughter Anna died on March 9 this year, aged 25, after a battle with a rare cancer of the adrenal gland.

The 2025 event has been dedicated to Anna’s memory, and more than 200 people are expected to take part on Friday, August 29, with funds raised supporting Cancer Research UK.

‘She shone brightly into those around her’

The challenge involves hiking iconic Arthur’s Seat before heading to Blackford Hill, Braid Hills, Craiglockhart Hill, Corstorphine Hill, Calton Hill, and finishing on Castle Hill.

Andrew, 51, said he was inspired to dedicate this year’s challenge to Anna’s memory after they completed it together in 2023.

The dad, from Boness, said, “Anna and I completed the challenge in September 2023 and took part because we wanted to play a small part in raising funds for research as so many people we knew at that time were going through diagnosis and treatment.

“Nobody could have ever imagined that two years on, we would be retracing the steps we took that day in Anna’s memory, having lost her to an aggressive and rare form of neuroendocrine cancer. Cancer simply doesn’t discriminate.”

Her family are taking on the hiking challenge in her memory. Cancer Research UK via Supplied

Anna, a third-year primary education student at the University of Stirling, was diagnosed in January 2025.

Specialists discovered a pheochromocytoma – a rare cancer of the adrenal gland – after tests were carried out for high blood pressure picked up by her GP.

After Anna fell ill in early February, she was admitted to Forth Valley Royal Hospital before moving to Strathcarron Hospice in Denny.

Anna then spent two weeks at home – during which time the University of Stirling honoured her by conferring her degree in primary education upon her – before returning to the care of the hospice, where she died on March 9.

Fundraising is also being carried out in Anna’s memory for Strathcarron. On the day of the challenge, Team Be Like Anna will number around 40 people, and the money raised will be used to fund research into rare cancers.

“During her short illness, Anna remained positive and shone brightly into the lives of those around her, near and far”, Andrew added.

“We want purpose to come from the experience that Anna went through, and we are enormously grateful to the Board of Business Beats Cancer Edinburgh, as well as everyone who is taking part and also supporting through donations.”

Anna completed the challenge in 2023. Cancer Research UK via Supplied

This year’s climb will mark the milestone of the Business Beats Cancer Edinburgh Board having raised almost £750,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Business Beats Cancer Edinburgh chairperson, Lou Kiddier, said: “We were incredibly sad to learn that this happy-go-lucky, adventurous young woman who was with us every step of the way to help others two years ago had lost her life to a rare cancer.

“The Seven Hills challenge is a tough route, but a beautiful and very meaningful one, and this year’s climb will be particularly poignant. By raising crucial funds, supporters will help bring us closer to a world where everybody can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of this devastating disease.”