I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Breast Cancer on the 17th February 2017 and my world was turned upside down. I underwent 10 months of intensive treatment(chemo, surgery and radiotherapy). This was a hugely traumatic period of my life and I particularly found chemotherapy to be the most brutal whilst I tried to overcome both the physical and psychological effects of this medicine. It was this medicine that saved my life.

From diagnosis, during treatment and right through to the present day I have received outstanding health care from both my consultant and the other health care professionals that I came into contact with(believe me there were a lot).

When I was very ill from treatment I would try and visualise all the things that I would do in a desperate bid to remain positive when I felt overwhelmingly vulnerable and weak. I was sure that if I did overcome this I would like to fundraise in a way to give something back for the exceptional health care that I have received and continue to receive.

A particularly difficult period was when I was referred to the Genetics Team to test whether I carried the BRCA gene and the obvious heightened risk that my two most beautiful, precious girls would carry that gene. Thankfully I don't but this also coincided with the tragic loss of a young woman who I met during treatment and recovery.

Following treatment I began the Couch to 5k running club with These Mums do Fitness. On reflection this has become my saviour as it enabled me and supported me to deal with the fear, stress and anxiety of my cancer returning. It also helped me to develop a new positive relationship with my body that had so badly let me down.

Since the Couch to 5k my distance has increased and I have now completed 10k's and two half marathons. I am now due to start training(again!!!!) to complete my first Marathon on the 10th October 2021 and there is no better charity to fundraise for other than Prevent Breast Cancer. I am doing this with some amazing friends who I have met along the way and who are also insanely bonkers to be taking on this challenge. Ironically, I use to be the school girl who would wave my Asthma inhalers at the PE teacher whilst thinking "Fool I have Asthma" and would stubbornly walk behind my peers whilst completing Cross Country.

Sadly Breast Cancer affects tens of thousands of men and women, young and old, in the UK every year. Whilst the physical impact of the disease is obvious the emotional impact can continue for long after completion of treatment.

Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity funding ground-breaking research solely aimed at preventing breast cancer for future generations.

Predict. Prevent. Protect. You could call it our mantra. As the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer, we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease

Please help me raise some money for this incredible charity.