In 2016, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. After a course of treatment – chemotherapy, radiotherapy, lumpectomy, mastectomy and Diep (breast reconstruction), I am pleased to say that I have been in remission for over 6 years.

During my treatment the charity Prevent Breast Cancer gave me a lot of support. To show my gratitude to Prevent Breast Cancer over the past couple of years, I have raised money for them in different ways including being involved in creating a recipe book, “More Than A Manchester Tart”- containing friends' and families' personal recipes.

Prevent Breast Cancer organise fundraising events. A number of these events are physically quite challenging. I have Achrondroplasia(dwarfism) and though that should not prevent me for attempting some of these fundraising events, I seem to have been waiting for one which would not only physically challenge me but also excites me to a level I thought only possible if I ever met David Beckham! A few years ago, whilst watching a programme where a number of celebrities walked part of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, I got that level of excitement as I imagined myself doing the walk. And I vowed that one day I will aim to do it.

Prevent Breast Cancer has now given me the opportunity. On 1st October 2023, with 19 other people, I will be attempting to walk 126km of the Camino de Santiago trek from Baiona to Santiago de Compostela in 6 days to raise money for the charity. No doubt it will both physically and mentally push me to my limits but I am very determined to give it my best shot.

One of my motivations to support Prevent Breast Cancer are my nephew and nieces and their future. I know from my own experience that there has been tremendous progress in the treatment of breast cancer and breast cancer detection but it would be wonderful if one day we did not need to worry about getting breast cancer at all. Which is one of the aims of Prevent Breast Cancer. Another motivation is, if by me doing this walk highlights breast cancer and helps in anyway to remove stigmas and taboos associated with breast cancer especially among the South Asian communities, then all the hard work will be truly worth it. We should all be able to talk about breast cancer openly without fear or embarrassment.

I would be extremely grateful if you would sponsor me for the Camino de Santiago fundraising event. ALL money I raise will go directly to Prevent Breast Cancer. None will go towards the cost of my travel, accommodation or equipment. Please also feel free to share the link to my JustGiving page. 

Both Prevent Breast Cancer and myself appreciate your support. Thank you

Prevent Breast Cancer

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Prevent Breast Cancer are the only charity in the UK dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer. Unlike many cancer charities, they focus on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, they believe we can stop the problem before it starts. Every year, in the UK, over 55,000 individuals are diagnosed 150 people a day. And every year, we lose 11,500 to this disease. That is 11,500 too many. In fact, it is 55,000 too many. With your support we can help fight this disease together.