Who we are
‘Melanies Miles of Hope’ is a Yorkshire based charity aimed to help people living with cancer.
We aim to provide practical support and enhance the quality of life to Cancer Patients in Yorkshire.
Our founder
Melanies Miles of Hope was founded in 2023 by Melanie Toye. Melanie was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in May 2023. Newly married with a 5-year-old daughter, Melanie was passionate about exercise and healthy living, she was training to run her first marathon when she was diagnosed. She kept up her running and healthy living whilst fighting cancer and was always positive and upbeat, always smiling, despite her condition constantly worsening. Melanie was a remarkable woman and always thinking of others. After speaking with other members of the cancer community she realised that she couldn’t find a local cancer charity that supported people living with cancer directly:
“Exercise, family time and an ability to work through my illness have all been amazing coping mechanisms for me and my family, but I know not every cancer patient is able to do this and this is how I want to help others!
I want to make an actual difference to local people. I want to help people buy a wig if they can’t afford one, I want to help a cancer patient go on holiday with their loved ones if they can’t afford it. I want to help them access some alternative therapies if they can’t afford it, or pay for an annual gym or swimming membership to get them active again.
There’s no charity that offers this kind of diverse and practical support, so I’ve decided to set one up myself! I want to create a legacy, even if it’s a short lived one, that helps some cancer patients that I’ve met along the way.
The cancer community is huge, and I’ve met some inspiring and amazing people but some of whom are really struggling. I just want to do everything I can to help others whilst making my daughter feel proud of her mummy and also teaching her what’s possible, even with a life limiting illness.“
Melanie bravely fought cancer until her passing in October 2024; Melanies strength, positivity, kindness and unshakable spirit inspired everyone who knew her (and those who didn’t) her legacy lives on through this charity.
