Hello and thank you for visiting my Race for Life page.

I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2010. Yes it came gift wrapped ready for Christmas with twinkley lights, baubles and carols. I welcomed chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery to remove my lymph nodes and left breast with open arms. I sported the GI Jane look with pride. After 12 months following treatment I began my mini make over with reconstructive surgery and felt my life was my own again.

My diagnosis completely changed my outlook on life. I made choices and changes: buying a new home alone, holidaying far and wide, taking every opportunity to see and experience things I'd never considered before. My biggest adventure was holidaying in New York alone!                                                                                I continued to fundraise throughout the 3 years to celebrate my own success story, to say thank you on behalf of others who had battled cancer and won, in memory of someone close to me who we sadly lost and to continue raising awareness and to find a cure for this unforgiving disease. 

But in November 2013 I noticed a few health problems and found that I now had secondary breast cancer of the liver and bones. 

Bit of a shock to say the least as I was leading a very full life and I quote 'looking so well'. Unfortunately this time my diagnosis has had an even bigger impact on myself, family, close friends, those around me, my career and life.                                                      My cancer is inoperable and I'm now receiving chemotherapy to increase my life expectancy. I'm therefore living with cancer everyday.

I'm not at work as I'm not well enough physically or emotionally to be able to give my job my full attention and play my part in the team. I'm using my time to make memories and spend time with my son, parents, friends and family.

I find something to smile and laugh about every day and I try to live each day as if it's my last.  I have so much to do, so many things I still want to see and experience. This sounds somewhat selfish and I apologise for that. I have concerns and there is so much I need to give and do for my boy and my mom and dad who I shall leave behind. 

I'm not afraid for me. There is nothing I can do to change things except live and be happy for however long I have left. And yes we can all say 'none of us know when we're going to die' or 'we could be run over tomorrow by a bus'. But for myself and others living with cancer each day...

...we know our bus has left the station. 

So what is left to do? Live, laugh, love, fight...                                   I shall continue to raise people's awareness of the signs of cancer, the impact it can have on life, how to cope and live life to the full focusing on the positives and hopefully raise funds to find a cure. Because I'm sure if others hadn't raised money in the past I wouldn't be here now ready to do the Pretty Muddy challenge in Birmingham. 

Join me in my goal if not by digging deep then coming to cheer me on.

Pretty Muddy Race for Life Event - Sat 19 July '14 - 10.45 at Cofton Park Birmingham  

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. (It would make a good Sunday afternoon tear jerker.)                                 And thank you for any support you can give. 

Mandy   xxx