My brother, Chris, and I are running the Great South Run dressed as Where's Gilly, oh I mean Wally! We are hoping to raise some money for the Breast Care Unit at Macmillan Renton Unit (MRU) in Hereford and Hope Support Services. They are amazing and if you want to know a little more about my story and why I want to give something back then please read on and have a look at the photo gallery.

Last October my life changed in a heartbeat when the consultant told me I had breast cancer. I'd noted a thickening in my breast during a routine self-check. My GP referred me fast-track to the MRU at Hereford where I’d hoped I would be reassured and sent home. However, at the end of the appointment, without even waiting for a biopsy result, the Consultant told me the bad news. I can't really tell you how I felt, it was just complete shock. Then, it was a long 10 day wait for more information about tumour-type and stage and to find out my treatment plan. I went on to have two surgeries, the first to remove the tumour and the second to remove all my armpit lymph nodes as the cancer had spread there. Fortunately, there was no evidence of cancer anywhere else in my body. 

In the new year I started chemotherapy and my hair fell out in February, a rather chilly moment, but a good time of year for hats and scarves. The chemotherapy had ups and downs and all the time I was supported by the team in Hereford and the overarching Cheltenham service. In June, I started radiotherapy which involved going to the hospital everyday for 4 weeks. Again, the team were so attentive and looked after my sore skin and dealt with my aches and pains.

Along the way I've had input from so many people at the MRU.  The Breast Care nurses have been so supportive from diagnosis right through to post-treatment concerns. They put my family in touch with local charity, Hope Support Services, who helped support my children. It's hard for a 6 year old to understand why the medicine ‘that should make you better' makes you so poorly and causes your hair to fall out. Or how to talk to a 9 year old who is aware that cancer can be pretty serious. Julia and team have been wonderful. 

So, although I don't recommend a breast cancer diagnosis, I can tell you that we are really fortunate to have such an amazing service on our doorstep courtesy of the NHS. To finish, I would ask you all to check your breast area and armpits regularly. It only takes moments, but it could save your life! And secondly, please sponsor us. Anything you give, no matter how small, could make a real difference to someone else in my position. All the money raised will go specifically to The Breast Care Unit at Macmillan Renton, Hereford and Hope support Services.