Hi I'm Jo.For the past 4 years I'be been battling aggressive breast cancer. I'm now stage 4 (meaning it's no longer considered curable) and literally fighting to save my life. Asking for help does not come easily but sadly, due to circumstances, there really is no other option.

First diagnosed with cancer in Oct 2013, I felt completely numb at receiving the devastating news but quickly decided it would not win. I had a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy & radiotherapy & believed myself cured. But, in August 2016, the cancer returned with a vengeance-a 6cm tumour growing into my chest wall. This time, I was diagnosed as triple negative meaning the cancer doesn't have receptors for hormones oestrogen & progesterone or the protein HER2, which all the most successful treatments target. I had a 2nd round of chemo (with all the glamorous side effects) but no response. Told I would need a radical mastectomy, I decided I was more than my boobs. I had a 2nd op, achieving 'No Evidence of Disease'-hardly able to believe I had defeated cancer a second time.

Just 6 weeks later, the CT scan showed the cancer had spread to my lung, meaning I was stage 4. I was terrified but said "If life gives you reasons to cry, find 10 more reasons to smile.." My only regret was not being married to the man who has stood beside me on this journey. I arranged a simple wedding to Andy in just 2 days!

Refusing to believe the diagnosis, I discovered potentially life-saving Gamma Knife treatment, where a non-invasive laser delivers high dose targeted radiation. But, it costs £18K and has to be paid for privately. Primary Care Trusts refuse to fund this for breast cancer patients-despite the fact over £9 million has been spent buying the technology & 11 hospitals offer the treatment. My goal is to BEAT breast cancer & grow old disgracefully with Andy :-) If you can donate anything, (no matter how small), we would be eternally grateful. Thank you! Together we are stronger than cancer x