This November I’m taking on a mammoth challenge – two years after my own breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, I will be trekking 100K over five days in Morocco's Sahara Desert to raise money for CoppaFeel!

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in summer 2020 at the age of 41. My three very active little boys were aged just two, five and seven at the time. I had a ‘feeling’ in my right breast that I couldn’t put my finger on, and after much prodding and poking, I thought I had found a possible lump.

I was alone when I was told that I had a grade two, 4cm tumour in my right breast. Another MRI scan later determined that I also had other, multiple tumours throughout my right breast. My cancer was not caught early, in fact it had been there between 2-8 years, through at least one of my pregnancies. By some absolute miracle, the cancer had not spread outside of my breast tissue. I had a mastectomy and chemotherapy during a time of Covid restrictions so I was unable to have the support of my husband, friends or family in the hospital with me. BUT thanks to my treatment, I am still here and so grateful to still be living a life that I absolutely love.

I have always lived life to the full BUT I have never done any kind of challenge even remotely like this so this challenge will be taking me 100% out of my comfort zone trekking 100km over five days and camping out in the Sahara Desert. I am determined to show my boys that anything is possible when you put your mind to it…and that it’s ok to take on things that scare you, and push the limits of what you are capable of!

CoppaFeel! are an amazing charity on a mission to stamp out the late diagnosis of breast cancer by making sure that young people are regularly checking their boobs, pecs and chests and getting to know their bodies in order to have the confidence to see their GP if something just doesn't feel normal. I know how lucky I am that my cancer hadn’t spread and I know that early diagnosis of any cancer can save lives. Your donations will not only support my fundraising target, but most importantly CoppaFeel!

Whatever you are able to donate is hugely appreciated! To find out more about the charity head to www.coppafeel.org and please feel free to share this page with your friends too.

Thank you so much!

Love,

Jo xx