Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As many of you may know my family has recently discovered that some of us may carry the BRCA2 gene (A gene that normally helps to suppress cell growth – anyone that inherits certain changes in a BRCA2 gene has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, prostate, and other types of cancer).

In 2005 my father, Douglas, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, unfortunately we quickly discovered the cancer had spread to his bones and he lost his battle, sadly passing away in 2007. In 2012, my cousin Lesley, who I had grown up with, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with only a short life expectancy. As Lesley’s mother, my aunt, had also passed away from pancreatic cancer, she researched the family history and although having several instances of cancer in a family does not mean that the gene is present, the doctors suggested to Lesley that she be tested for the gene. After testing positive for the BRCA2 gene she advised our side of the family to be tested. With a 50% chance of receiving the gene through birth, some family members may be tested negative and some positive, even if you are siblings.

Last year I tested positive for the gene and have since conducted a lot of research into what this means for myself and my children. Before Lesley told us about the gene, I knew nothing about it and had no idea about cancer prevention. I recently came across the charity Genesis, the only UK charity dedicated to the PREDICTION and PREVENTION of breast cancer. The charity conducts in depth research into understanding how we can prevent cancer, through looking at gene mutations, diet and lifestyle and environmental factors. This helps you to decide what preventative actions work best for you - whether you have the gene or not. A charity like Genesis is so important because it is helping to reduce the risk of cancer in the future.

I want to raise money for this worthy charity not for me but for my children and future generations. Which is why we named our team the ‘Gene-erations’! It would be amazing if you could help me and Genesis to build a better future for them by supporting us on the Grand Union Canal Challenge, which I will be walking with my daughter Jenni and my sister, Fiona, and donating here:

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.