I found my lump on Christmas Eve whilst in the shower and I knew immediately it was Breast Cancer.

I did my Nurse and Midwifery training at Leighton Hospital between 1979 and 1982. I had both my children there in 1984 & 1986 and I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer there on 14th January 2020. So it seemed right and fitting that in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which starts on Thursday 1st October that I launch my project, "Simply the Breast" where I aim to raise funds to enhance the patient experience in the Breast Care Centre at Leighton Hospital.

Our first visit to Leighton Hospital was on January 7th and it was there I met my Consultant Mr Archampong and the team on the Breast care Unit. They were kindness personified and passionate about Women's health. I had my Ultrasound and then biopsies taken from my breast (I had 2 tumours and an area of concern in my axilla). We went back on January 14th for our diagnosis. It's just like the advert on the tv, everything on slow motion, the words "you have breast cancer" will stay with us forever. It's as if the pile of dominoes started to fall as hospital appointments, blood test, scans etc all slotted in...

We decided to call this our adventure and we would have good days and not so good days... we were determined to stay as positive as possible throughout with daily rituals that included laughing and singing !

As my treatment progressed the country went into lockdown. I am the one of the luckiest people as I was well into treatment at that point. My saving grave was my role as a Radio Presenter on Radio Northwich. We all presented our daily shows from home. I did my shows throughout my treatment and some days were my not so good days but the music and feedback from listeners dealing with their own issued with lockdown kept me going.

Now I am cancer free and undergoing 3 weekly immunotherapy and antibody therapy at Christie's Hospital. I am struggling with fatigue which  apparently is common but now it is my turn to give back and the Breast Care Centre at Leighton Hospital is such a worthy recipient.

I won't let COVID scupper our efforts so I want us to think outside the box. I will be walking 155 miles which is the miles from my house to Leighton Hospital for the 10 visits I have made whilst on this adventure. Albeit very slowly as my energy levels are still not good, please join me. Who fancies doing a walk, getting sponsored, doing a wear it pink day at work, sponsored hair dye, head shave, all these things can be done within COVID guidelines. As this can effect men also, any men who can play golf in pinks socks or pink golf tops can donate £5 each. I know friends who would skywalk or zip wire so let's do this, have some fun whilst raising money and awareness for the Breast Care Centre.

So come on everyone, join me in celebrating "Simply the Breast" and you will be helping other people using the Breast Care Centre at Leighton Hospital. Thank you.