Holly Smith (née Dodgson), attended Hymers College during her A Level years, from 2001 until 2003.  She went on to further education at the University of Reading, where she studied International Management with Business Administration and Italian.  After finishing her studies, she has since carved out a career in the Sales and Event Management industry and is currently the Managing Director for Food by Dish.

After the sudden passing of her Dad, David Dodgson OH 1958-67, in December 2022, she applied to set out on a challenging, extraordinary, and life-changing trek, all in the name of checking chests!

I took on the 100 km of rugged and unforgiving Hadrian's Wall Country in a bid to raise funds towards CoppaFeel!'s life-saving mission.  CoppaFeel!, a breast cancer awareness charity, was set up by Kris Hellenga, who was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer at just 23 years old. CoppaFeel!’s mission is to raise awareness to check your chests regularly as cancer can affect every age, any body. They specifically target the younger audiences in colleges and universities. 

I applied shortly after Dad passed away as he supported so many charities throughout his life and this approach is something I want to adopt - life is too short and I feel we have to be proactive in supporting good causes and celebrating life, otherwise we can get lost in a day to day life. 

I truly understand how precious life can be so I want to actively support incredible causes, like CoppaFeel!, who are helping lengthen people’s lives by raising awareness of how crucial early diagnosis of breast cancer is. 

It was an incredible week - I walked 100 km across the Northumberland coast and countryside to support CoppaFeel!.  I was in a team led by Matt and Emma Willis with 27 other inspiring people, some of whom have had or are currently fighting cancer. It was just a life affirming, thought provoking week and I feel so lucky to have been selected to join the trek - I would do it again in a heartbeat!!

If you would like to sponsor Holly, please visit her Just Giving Page: My 100km Hadrian's Wall Country trek for CoppaFeel!