Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In 2018 at the age of 52 I was diagnosed with nose and skin cancer. I had a tumour the size of a golf ball growing inside my head at the back of my nose and the cancer had spread into my septum and into the skin spreading down towards my top lip. I remember feeling devastated I had just presumed I had a scab on my nose

My Consultant told me he could remove my cancer but it would mean destroying my beautiful face - his words. I told him to take away my whole face if it meant that I could be given the chance to spend more time with my family and friends. My mum had sadly lost her life at the age of 52 to lung cancer and here I was at the same age being given a second chance to live .

The tumour and skin cancer were successfully removed and I had major facial reconstruction which involved many stitches and noticeable scarring.

I spent many months hating my face ,people would stare and make comments about my looks. I began to hide away I went out in the dark I felt ashamed about how I looked I totally transformed as a person I lost my confidence and was really insecure about everything and at my lowest times I couldn't even talk to anyone I felt like the walls around me were caving in I was giving up. I felt guilty and ungrateful I should have been absolutely delighted to be given a second chance and yes I did kick cancer up the arse so I was technically a Warrior but I really really didn't feel like one !

Then thankfully I was sent in the right direction and found Maggie's, my shining light in an extremely dark tunnel. With their continuing support over the last 3 years  I was able to learn to accept the way my face and myself had changed. I returned to work as a nursing assistant working in acute respiratory at the Manchester Royal Infirmary

Then like a bombshell Covid arrived I struggled wearing masks and sadly got Covid last year and continue to have long covid symptoms but I plodded on and am extremely proud to work for our NHS

Sadly due to further damage to my nose last year and the transplant failing my nose is slowly collapsing. In December I will be having further major surgery that will sadly give me more scarring. It's taken me this long to get used to my face and the scars have healed really well but now I will be facing another hurdle and know I will look different again.

With the support of Maggie's I have managed to live and be proud of my facial disfigurement and walking down the catwalk on Saturday will be my biggest statement so far Me

 I no longer wish to hide away and be ashamed of my scars - This Is Me and I will be marching on to the beat of the drum. Look out guys cos here I come xxx

I am extremely honoured to be part of an event that will hopefully raise lots of money for Maggie's and also awareness about just what Maggie's do x This will be my chance to give a bit back for all they have done for me xx

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.