Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In June 2015 our small family unit of my partner Hazel, Holly our daughter, who was 10 years old at that time, and myself, was rocked by Hazel’s diagnosis of breast cancer. What was to follow over a period of 2 years for Hazel was two mastectomies, double reconstruction, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, and hormone treatment that continues to this day.

From initial diagnosis to the first mastectomy  took 8 days, the staff of the oncology centre in St. Johns Hospital in Livingston were and remain so, absolutely fantastic, accompanying and leading Hazel’s long journey through her treatment. There were challenges though that we had to deal with that we knew nothing about. Where to find mastectomy bras, how to keep comfortable the armpit and chest after mastectomies while trying to sleep or relax, how to look after a scalp that has no hair, where to find the right headscarves to wear, how to look after skin damaged by radiotherapy, how to deal with nails that were about to fall off because of chemo, how to apply make up, or what to use, when there are no eyebrows, how to find peace in the middle of what could be a nightmare. All things that our wonderful NHS cannot supply.

Where Hazel was lucky, there was a local charity that not only helped with information, but also supplied, Bras, Special heart cushions, scarves and fashion advice on how to wear them, creams for skin ravished by life saving chemotherapy, high quality nail varnish to cover the first stages of losing nails, and their later regrowth, semi permanent eyebrow tattoos, and mindfulness and relaxation classes. When Hazel was fit enough she took a volunteer position within this charity, then two years ago the family behind the charity decided to, for personal reasons, stop the good work they had been doing.

Hazel made the decision almost immediately that the services supplied by this wonderful small charity had to continue. Breast Friends and Family was the result and they became a registered charity in April 2018. The charity took over the above services and have gone from strength to strength since, ever searching to add more needed services, “providing the little things that make a big difference”. The charity is growing and needs to keep securing the funds to keep up this much needed help. Hence my attempt on October 6th at recapturing my youthful military experiences in a free abseil off the iconic rail bridge over the Forth. Please give generously for a really worthy cause.

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