Up until this year, I was lucky enough for my life to have been pretty untouched by cancer.

Then, in February 2015, my mum delivered the devastating news to me that she had breast cancer. Cancer is a shocking word to hear and I was inconsolable. Fortunately for us, my mums cancer was only about 2cm big and was treatable. Soon after, she had a lumpectomy, as well as further tests which proved the cancer had not spread anywhere! She was technically cancer-free!!! :)

Now, she is undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment just to be sure that the cancer will not return. I am expecting it to be a horrible six months for her and all of us, but it is amazing that after her treatment ends there will be no waiting for positive/negative results. We know what we are dealing with.

Although a pretty terrifying time, it has made me realise just how much cancer affects everyone. Through speaking to people about my own situation, I have found many people had their own personal connections to cancer too. Most of these stories I've heard from people have been success stories, which is amazing! But there is still much to be done to make sure that all stories are success stories.

Helen Weaver, one of my best friends, had the bad news that her mum was also diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago. Luckily, her mum has been given the all clear now!! :) Here's Helen's story: 'My mum was diagnosed with skin cancer in November 2013. Thankfully, after an operation she was all clear, but she still has to have regular 3 montly check ups for the next 5 years to make sure it doesn't return which is always a worry. She considers herself very lucky it was caught early, however some are not so lucky. Cancer touches us all and so cancer research is a great cause to support'.

Hearing all of these stories is why we've decided to run the 5K Pretty Muddy Race for Life in May to raise money for the amazing work that Cancer Research UK do. I am a third year university student currently about to sit my finals so this will be a great way to round off my university life! It is a 5k race with various obstacles along the way including tyres, bouncy castles, mud pits and nets!

My friends, who have been amazing support for me, are also going to run with me!! We have chosen the spectacular name....the BOOB BUSTERS. The team consists of Charlotte Webb, Polly Cartwright, Lucy Winship, Helen Weaver, Ellie Deakin and Kirsty Cosh :)

Please give as much or as little as you would like. Every little really does help.

Thanks a lot,

Charlotte xxxxxxxxxxxx

I'm joining Cancer Research UK's Race for Life this year. Please join the fight by digging deep and sponsoring me - it's quick, easy and totally secure.

Events like this are vital in funding Cancer Research UK's life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. By sponsoring me, we can unite and create an army that cancer can't ignore. By sponsoring me, we will beat cancer sooner.

Don't forget to add Gift Aid!!!

If you're a UK taxpayer, please remember to tick the Gift Aid box as this will increase your donation by at least 25% at no extra cost to you.

Sponsor me now, and help me show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink.