Last year a group of friends, and gym buddies took part in a “10 day sunrise swim” challenge in memory of my mum Betty, and to show support for my sister Karen who was unfortunately diagnosed last February with incurable secondary breast cancer. 

This year, I’ve made the challenge a little harder on us! This year we aim to complete a triathlon type challenge over another 10 days. We will climb Bennachie 3 mornings, cycle 10 miles 3 mornings and open water swim for 3 mornings… then on day 10 we will hopefully do all 3! (Send help 😳)

My mum Betty was diagnosed with inoperable, incurable pancreatic cancer on July 2013 after complaining of pain in her lower back & stomach, and noticing a sudden weigh loss. 4 days later we were advised by Dr’s that she only had a handful of weeks left to live.. she only went to the GP with predominantly back pain, so to be met with this horrific information is still a feeling I cannot explain. Mum, myself and my sister all agreed we wanted her to come home with me so I could care for her in her final weeks.. she fought for 10 months, little Madame. We finally said goodbye to her April 2014. It feels like months ago. 

My beautiful, funny big sister Karen began to feel unexplained pain in her back February 2021. After a hospital admittance and various tests, Karen was diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer. The cancer had spread to breast from her bone - this would explain the back pain. My sister has lived every day since this heartbreaking diagnosis like nothing has changed! She keeps active, she holidays, looks a million dollars, sings, dances and I bloody LOVE her for it. She will not let this cancer claim her happiness with her family. In fact, as I write this Karen is currently awaiting her latest scan results and heading to Cornwall on holiday!! She’s amazing.. and I’m not ready to lose her.

Myself and my team hope to raise as much money AND awareness for Pancreatic Cancer Action, and hope my story inspires others to stay vigilant by checking themselves regularly and do not ignore unexplained pains!! The earlier cancer is detected, the better chance we have to beat it!!

Please donate if you can, we would all appreciate the support 💜

Kirsty xx

Pancreatic Cancer Action are a national charity dedicated to saving lives by improving early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and the quality of patient survival. with your help we fund vital research, create medical education programmes, produce national awareness campaigns and vital patient information.Together we can make a difference!