![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0_SVR_NEC_040926_mel_stu-2jpeg.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMel Jackson is walking 100 miles this month in memory of her partner Stu<\/p>\n
(Image: Handout \/ Highlights PR)<\/p>\n
A Northumberland <\/a>man was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2024 – and died just a day later. Now two years on, his partner Mel Jackson is planning to walk 100 miles with dog Teddy to raise money for charity in his memory.<\/p>\n Stu Keeble was just 67 when he died after the sudden diagnosis. Mel said: “Stu was diagnosed on a Saturday and passed away on Sunday. That\u2019s how fast it can happen,<\/p>\n “People don\u2019t recognise the symptoms, and by the time they do, it\u2019s often too late. We need more research, more funding, and more awareness of all types of cancer<\/a>.”<\/p>\n Devastatingly, even in the time since Stu’s death, Mel has seen more loved ones deal with cancer diagnoses. She added: “I feel very strongly that I need to do something meaningful. If we can raise money and awareness at the same time, then hopefully our efforts can make a difference.”<\/p>\n Mel Jackson with dog Teddy at Newbiggin promenade(Image: Highlights PR)<\/p>\n Mel and Teddy’s effort is officially part of Cancer Research UK’s Walk 30 Miles in September Challenge – but they’ve decided to do 100 miles instead. Mel said: “\u201cThirty miles is far too easy for Teddy and me, so we\u2019re going for 100!\u201d<\/p>\n This year’s effort – and a drive to raise at least \u00a3500 – comes on the back of previous fundraising specifically for pancreatic cancer causes. However this time, given the wider impact on loved ones she has seen, Mel is looking to raise money for cancer research more generally.<\/p>\n Stu Keeble(Image: Handout \/ Highlights PR)<\/p>\n She added: “Cancer continues to touch the lives of people we love, and every step we take is for those facing diagnosis, treatment, and loss. Together, we can help fund life\u2011saving research and make a real difference.”<\/p>\n Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest of the common cancers with a a 5-year survival rate of 7.3%. Every year in the UK, there are around 10,500 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer<\/p>\n Anyone wishing to support Mel and Teddy can donate online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our ChronicleLive Daily newsletter is free. You can sign up to receive it here<\/a>. It will keep you up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East.<\/p>\n ChronicleLive has created a dedicated WhatsApp community for breaking news and our biggest stories. You can join this WhatsApp community here<\/a>. It will keep you up-to-date with news as it breaks and our top stories of the day sent directly to your phone.<\/p>\n ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.<\/p>\n We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we’ll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!<\/p>\n To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press ‘join community’.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.<\/p>\n If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our privacy notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community<\/a><\/p>\n Join our Court & Crime community<\/a><\/p>\n Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community<\/a><\/p>\n Join our Northumberland community<\/a><\/p>\n Join our County Durham community<\/a><\/p>\n Join our Sunderland community<\/a><\/p>\n Join our Great North Run community<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Mel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/0_SVR_NEC_040926_mel_stu-1jpeg.jpg\")
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