At 66, Quebec woman prepares to climb 12,000 metres for breast cancer cause
A 66-year-old woman from the Laurentians is preparing to take on one of Europe’s toughest hiking routes this fall in support of breast cancer fundraising.
Line Boudreault plans to complete the GR20 in September, with a goal of raising $12,000, symbolically matching the trail’s estimated 12,000 metres of elevation gain.
Credit Corsica Aventure
One of Europe’s most demanding trails
The GR20 crosses the island of Corsica from north to south through mountainous terrain in the regional natural park. The route stretches roughly 180 kilometres and is known for steep climbs, rocky paths and technical sections completed over about 12 consecutive days.
Continuing a history of fundraising challenges
This is not Boudreault’s first athletic fundraiser.
In 2019, while serving as executive director, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Service bénévole d’entraide de Vimont-Auteuil, an organization providing home support services. That campaign raised $30,000.
As of April 16, she had already collected nearly $1,125 toward the new campaign, according to organizers.
Intensive training underway
Boudreault’s preparation began months in advance and includes:
- strength training
- cardiovascular conditioning
- elevation-based workouts
- preparatory hikes
Part of the program is done using a weighted vest to simulate the load she expects to carry during the GR20.
A major endurance test is also planned for late May on the Sentier du Grand Brûlé, where she intends to repeat a 650-metre elevation route for seven consecutive days.
Additional fundraiser planned
She is also organizing a training session in late May on 12 factors that can improve strategic intelligence. Organizers say 100 per cent of registration fees will be donated to the cause.
Supporting a cause that touches many families
Through the challenge, Boudreault says she hopes not only to push her own limits, but also to contribute to a cause affecting many people.
Donations can be made through the fundraising platform listed by organizers: fundraisemyway.cancer.ca.
