Miss Edinburgh GB finalist reveals moving reason behind gruelling physical challenge

An Edinburgh woman has spoken out after her beloved grandmother was diagnosed with cancer.

Deimantė Kuncytė, 32, a Miss GB Edinburgh finalist, is swapping the heels for hiking boots to raise money for a charity close to her heart.

Speaking to Edinburgh Live, she admitted she didn't think cancer would strike anyone in her family, until her grandmother was diagnosed with stomach cancer in November 2022.

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She said: "Nothing like this had ever happened to me before. Then in 2022, my grandmother got cancer. It gave me the realisation that it can happen to anyone.

"I had to be strong for my mum and my little sister. My grandmother lives in Lithuania and I have other family up in Aberdeen. It was really difficult but we had to get through it and be there for each other. I was able to get flights home and my work was very good to me."

The accountant added: "Before she was diagnosed, my mum thought my grandmother wasn't well. She was losing weight quickly, and it wasn't normal. But we don't think she wanted to go to the doctor or maybe was scared. She ended up having to get two or three rounds of chemo.

"She got through it. She is in her 90s but it's almost as if it never happened. She still out gardening and she has a wee dog."

She's a regular visitor of Arthur's Seat and keeps fit at the gym and in June, Deimantė will be taking on the seven hills of Edinburgh, a hefty 27km hiking challenge with over 700m of climbing.

"I've done a challenge like this before. My friend is coming with me for support but I knew I wanted to fundraise and raise awareness for cancer, especially the importance of early diagnosis.

"For me, the climb will symobise the uphill battle faced by those affected by cancer. With every step, I carry the hopes of those fighting, the memories of those lost, and the determination to contribute to life-saving research."

Deimantė will also be fundraising for Alex's Wish and anyone wishing to donate to either cause can do so at Just Giving and on Cancer Research.