“Asking for help isn’t giving up, said the horse. It’s refusing to give up” The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Charlie Mackesy

The time has come for me to write this and ask for some help from my wonderful family and friends. You all give me so much strength and love, and I undoubtedly could not get through the tough times without you all having my back every step of the way; I am forever full of gratitude.

As you may know, I have secondary breast cancer that was diagnosed in November 2019. I have a fantastic team of specialists wanting to get this disease under control, and am involved in my treatment plan every step of the way. We have had some good news and then some not so good news so far; ups and downs are hard to take in on this rollercoaster, and that’s why I am setting up this page to provide me with some positivity and drive with the ultimate aim to get things under control. The NHS offers such amazing care and I am so fortunate and grateful to be able to have access to all the conventional drugs and treatments that it offers. Through some research of my own and by following my gut feeling, I know I need something more. For me, this is through the complementary therapies that are out there. I have been enjoying meditation, visualizations, yoga, breathworks, improving my diet, laughter, reflexology, reiki, supplements – this is all the free and relatively inexpensive stuff, and which I truly believe helps with side effects and my mental health to stay positive and focused. There are, however, other therapies out there that have more of a price tag. These are things like various blood tests to determine what’s happening in my body and why this disease is present, mistletoe therapy, more vitamin supplementation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, saunas, and high dose intravenous vitamin C. I would like to experience all these therapies in greater depth and to find out what could or might work for me. Exploring these options brings me hope and encouragement, and at this time I cannot ignore them; I will try anything that gives me time.

Whilst writing this I am full up with positivity and hope, it’s like a weight coming off my shoulders. Asking for help gives me the strength I need. I feel empowered and look to the future with hope, love, kindness, gratitude and positivity. This is my focus.

As I stand alongside my loving husband Chris, and our gorgeously delightful and joyful boys, Oliver and Alfred, I am doing this for them, for us: the three of them are my driving force in life.

To Chris, Oliver and Alfred. My boys who keep me going each day, I love you with all my heart.