On the eve of a new adventure, Sally Dynevor, beloved for her long-standing role as Sally Metcalfe on Coronation Street, has announced she will climb Mount Kilimanjaro this September, joined by her son, Sam Dynevor. The journey, set in Tanzania and spanning five days, is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a deeply personal mission to support Prevent Breast Cancer, a charity dedicated to research and awareness that has been close to Sally’s heart since her own diagnosis 16 years ago.
For many fans, Sally Dynevor is synonymous with Weatherfield’s Sally Metcalfe, a character she’s portrayed since 1986. But off-screen, Dynevor’s life took an unexpected turn in 2009, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 46—the very same age and moment her on-screen counterpart faced a similar battle. According to BBC, Dynevor reflected, “Because I was only 46, I really thought I was too young to get breast cancer. 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.”
It was the storyline on Coronation Street that prompted Dynevor to check herself for signs of illness, a move she credits with saving her life. Recalling the surreal overlap between fiction and reality, she told the Manchester Evening News, “That was quite a shocking time for me because I was doing the script and Sally had cancer, but I had no knowledge that I had it. If it hadn’t been for that script and working on it, I don’t think I would have checked or I wouldn’t have thought it was a possibility that I could get breast cancer because I was only 46, and I thought ‘that’s quite young’. Now I’ve realised, it can affect people, young people. So, raising awareness is incredibly important.”
Now aged 62 and in remission, Dynevor is channeling her energy into advocacy and fundraising. She’s no stranger to ambitious challenges for charity; in 2019, she trekked to Everest Base Camp for Prevent Breast Cancer, and she’s also cycled from London to Paris to raise funds. But this time, the climb up Africa’s tallest freestanding mountain will be a family affair. Her son, Sam Dynevor, 28, who typically keeps a low profile working in corporate communications, is stepping into the spotlight to join his mother on this monumental trek.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Sally wrote, “My son Sam and I have some news! We will be climbing the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Kilimanjaro in September for @preventbreastcancer. It will be 16 years since my diagnosis. Like so many other family's we never thought this would happen to us but it did. Help us break the cycle of breast cancer. Anything you can donate would go directly to @preventbreastcancer.” At the time of reporting, their fundraising page had already amassed £9,869 in donations, as noted by The Sun.
For Sam, the trek is not just about supporting his mother—it’s about joining her in her fight against a disease that’s touched their family deeply. In a heartfelt tribute on the fundraising page, Sam wrote, “Today, my mum is not just a survivor—she’s also a passionate advocate and Patron for Prevent Breast Cancer, raising awareness and supporting the vital research needed to prevent others from facing what she went through. I couldn’t be prouder of her work for the charity, which has seen her cycle from London to Paris and trek through the Himalayas to Everest basecamp! I’m so excited to join her on this latest adventure in Africa, climbing the tallest freestanding mountain in the world!”
The climb is set to be a group effort, with Sally and Sam joined by 13 other volunteers from Prevent Breast Cancer, including the charity’s chief executive, Nikki Barraclough. The funds raised will support research focused on gene research, early detection and screening, preventative drugs, and risk-reducing factors. Barraclough emphasized the importance of the challenge, telling BBC, “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.”
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity funding research into all areas of prediction, prevention, and early detection of breast cancer. Based at The Nightingale Centre and Prevent Breast Cancer Research Unit in Greater Manchester, the organization’s work is structured around four key pillars: genetics, screening and early detection, lifestyle and environmental risk factors, and risk-reducing drugs. As a patron, Dynevor has become a passionate advocate for these efforts, determined to ensure that as many people as possible understand the importance of early detection and prevention.
For Sally and Sam, the trek is also a rare chance to spend quality time together. With Sam based in London and Sally’s busy filming schedule, opportunities for mother-son bonding have been scarce. “It will be really lovely because I just can’t wait to spend that much time with my son and doing it together,” Sally told the Manchester Evening News. “I think my husband’s pleased that Sam’s going with me this time, just to make sure one of us will push the other one up the mountain!” To commemorate their journey, Sally bought matching journals for herself and Sam, so they can both record their experiences and memories from each day on the mountain.
While Sally’s daughters, Phoebe and Hattie, have followed her into acting—Phoebe is best known as the star of Netflix’s Bridgerton, and Hattie joined the cast of Waterloo Road in 2023—Sam has largely stayed out of the public eye. This trek, however, marks a significant moment for the Dynevor family, as Sam steps forward in support of his mother’s cause. The family’s bond is evident in their public exchanges, with daughter Hattie posting, “So proud of you both,” in response to Sally’s announcement and co-star Sally Carman chiming in, “Pair of absolute legends.”
Reflecting on the journey ahead, Sally confessed, “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. I’m up for anything and this is a great challenge, I’m really looking forward to it.” Her determination is matched by a sense of humility and gratitude—for her health, her family’s support, and the opportunity to make a difference.
As the Dynevors prepare for the physical and emotional demands of Kilimanjaro, their story serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, family, and community in the face of adversity. With every step up the mountain, they’re not just climbing for themselves—they’re climbing for everyone affected by breast cancer, hoping to break the cycle for future generations.
