Cancer has taken my right boob, my tummy fat, my lymph nodes and my hair (although this bit grows back). But, I started this year thinking 2014 would be my best year yet and I know there is no reason why that still can’t be the case.

I took the decision to smile in the face of cancer the moment I walked out of the hospital on 17 January 2014. A stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis is life changing, but I am determined to take what life-enhancing and enriching moments I can from it. I’ve been writing a blog http://smallboobsbigsmiles.com/ to show just how laughter, happiness and a love of pink will help me beat breast cancer - and help others keep fighting. And, I’m running this race towards the end of my chemotherapy because I don’t want to count the days until the end of active treatment. I want to make every day count.

Why ‘small boobs, big smiles’? When you’ve spent the best part of three months with your top off in front of surgeons and nurses, it doesn’t take long to work out that having ‘not much there’ is not an advantage. But, even when they were sizing up my tummy fat and cupping my less-than-ample breasts, I still managed a smile. Throughout my journey, I have found happiness in unusual places. Now I hope to find it while pounding the streets of London. 

With amazing organisations such as Breast Cancer Care providing support and practical advice, it is not hard to stay positive. I will be forever grateful for the factsheets and booklets that have helped me make informed decisions about my treatment and given me the strength to keep fighting every day. Breast Cancer Care makes the lives of cancer patients that little bit easier. And, by giving just a few pounds, you can help them change lives. Visit  http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/fundraising-events/how-your-support-helps to find out more about this inspiring charity.

For someone with a hip full of metal and chemotherapy drugs coursing through my veins, 10k is my iron man. Seven years ago I applied for this race, but because of my hip surgery, I didn’t make the starting line. It’s not a race I will miss again!

After getting engaged on Christmas Day 2013, Duncan and I may not be walking up the aisle this year, but he’ll be joining me and my PICC line on 13 July 2014. 

I'd be delighted if you would donate a few pounds, come to London to cheer us on, or join us at the starting line (if you do please email me on jackie_scully@hotmail.com to support Breast Cancer Care).

Thank you. Together we can help more people smile through cancer.