My wife Gemma works at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital in the Breast Screening Department and was herself diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer in June 2020, just at the beginning of the national lockdown. At 36 years of age this came as a shock to both of us, and her colleagues in the department who diagnosed her, and with the pandemic in full swing and a 2 year old in tow, the last two years has been some what of a journey for us all and extremely challenging.

With Gemma ironically working in the Breast Screening Department, both front of house and undertaking mammograms this also brought this terrible disease much closer to home than anyone would ever want, and with an inside knowledge of the process that would follow, it is an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone. 

The Breast Screening Department and wider hospital services at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital have been amazing, and incredibly supportive to both Gemma and I throughout the whole process. The fact that it has also been Gemma’s work colleagues that have been largely involved in her treatment has also given us all additional strength and without them I am not quite sure where we would be. I am pleased to say that Gemma has phased return back to work and whatever I can do to raise funds for the department and hospital to whom my family owes so much would be gratefully appreciated.

In aid of this I will be running the 2022 London Landmarks Half Marathon with the intention to do so as quick as my legs will carry me.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK and whilst most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, younger women can also get breast cancer. Currently about 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

I would ask for any support you may be able to pledge to further research into this disease, and to maintain the ongoing treatment and support that the hospital offers.