In November 2018 I received the shock diagnosis I had a type of blood  cancer. 

The consultant told me I had follicular non Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

It’s the news nobody wants to hear.

I was 38 with three young children and alongside my husband Steve we had a busy lifestyle of work and family.

It was likely I had been walking around with this cancer for at least two years as I’d been displaying symptoms but multiple visits to the GP and hospitals failed to join the dots and as a result I was given a stage 4 diagnosis.

Once I picked myself up off the floor, I turned to Lymphoma action for advice and support. This site gave me a safe space to learn about my condition and gave me an opportunity to connect with others living with this illness.

Initially I received immunotherapy infusions and then injections. My body seemed to tolerate this, I was able to continue work and my life much as normal.

After two years of maintenance therapy I achieved a remission, and began to move on with my life.

In April 2022 I found a lump in my breast.

Further scans and tests showed multiple lumps in both breasts. Biopsies told doctors I had primary stage breast cancer and also a reoccurrence of the lymphoma.

My world fell apart for a second time.

I was told these are two entirely separate cancers.

This time around I needed a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and lymph node removal from my armpit showed micro spread.

It was decided I needed to commence chemotherapy, to target both the lymphoma and the breast cancer.

In August last year I began 6 gruelling rounds given every three weeks.

At first I managed ok, but as the treatment went on it was harder and I became very sick.

It was a difficult time for us as a family, trying to carry on as best we could.

I finished treatment in December and after 5 rounds of radiotherapy in January 2023 I was given the fantastic news I am in complete metabolic remission!

I am gradually regaining my fitness, and know how grateful I am to be able to live my life once more.

It has always been my wish over the years of treatment to fundraise and give back.

I have been nominated by a lovely friend to be part of an incredible adventure trek  to Petra - one of the 7 wonders of the new world 🌎 

Only 7 inspirational people have made it through the selection process, to do this trek - and I am one of them!

We are spending a week trekking through the desert, being lead by a local guide sleeping under the stars in Bedouin tents.

This is a once in a lifetime trip, sponsored by Venari partners and lead by the incredible British iron man Sean Conway!!

100% of my fundraising will go directly to lymphoma action.

I want to raise awareness of lymphoma - it’s a disease I knew nothing about.

If I can help even one person to be diagnosed early, I know they could be treated with the possibility of cure.

Sadly for me this is now something I have to live the rest of my life with, knowing it could reoccur.

Please give what you can, I appreciate all your support xx

Lymphoma Action is the UK’s only charity dedicated to lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer. We’ve been providing in-depth, expert information and wide-ranging support for over 30 years, helping thousands of people affected by lymphoma. Our work drives improvements in the diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of lymphoma. We’re here for everyone affected by lymphoma. https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/