Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor is set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money for Prevent Breast Cancer, the charity said. Dynevor, who plays Sally Metcalfe on the long-running ITV soap, will undertake a five-day trek to the summit of the dormant volcano alongside her son and other volunteers.
Dynevor, 62, was diagnosed with breast cancer at 46 — at a time when her on-screen character was also coping with the disease. She said portraying a character with breast cancer had prompted her to check for abnormalities, a decision that led to her own diagnosis. "Because I was only 46, I really thought I was too young to get breast cancer," she said. "But I've since realised it doesn't matter what age you are — you need to check. And at the first signs of anything, go to your doctor and get it checked out."
Dynevor described the Kilimanjaro challenge as a way to support research into prevention and early detection. "I have no idea why I am doing this, but as a breast cancer survivor, I want to do as much as I can for this charity," she said. "I'm up for anything and this is a great challenge, I'm really looking forward to it."
She will join 13 other volunteers from Prevent Breast Cancer and chief executive Nikki Barraclough on the trek. Organisers said Dynevor has been doing altitude training in preparation. In 2019 she travelled to Everest Base Camp for the same charity.
Nikki Barraclough, who will take part in the climb, said funds raised will be directed towards projects focused on gene research, early detection and screening, preventative drugs and other risk-reducing measures. "The fund raised from the challenge will go to our research and it will be projects focussed on gene research, early detection and screening, preventative drugs and risk-reducing factors as well," she said.
Prevent Breast Cancer is a UK-based charity that funds research into preventing breast cancer and improving early detection. The planned climb is part of the charity's fundraising and awareness activities, which include organised challenges and public engagement to support its research programme.
Dynevor's decision to publicise the trek follows a history of advocacy linked to her personal experience. Medical experts and charities stress the importance of awareness and timely screening; Dynevor's account underscores public-health messaging that breast cancer can affect people at a range of ages and that checks and prompt consultation with a doctor are essential.
Details of the exact dates for the Kilimanjaro trek and how to donate or follow the climb were provided by Prevent Breast Cancer but have not been disclosed by the actress. The group will attempt the ascent over five days on well-established trekking routes to the summit of the East African peak.