In June 2024, I am taking on a Mighty Hike along the stunning South Downs Way to raise money for people living with cancer.

The year 2023 changed my life forever. For me last year will always be remembered as the year my biggest dream came true when we bought our house. And the year my worst nightmare became reality when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Incidentally, both events happened around the same time.

When I was first told I had breast cancer, I was in shock, and terrified. My only focus was on the fact that I had cancer and the actions needed to get rid of it. I did not think or process the consequences of what those actions would mean and how would the treatment affect me and my family. My brain was in full fight mode. I experienced what’s called a fawn reaction - 'a deer caught in the headlights'. But that initial feeling of shock and terror lasted what felt like a long time for me.

MacMillan listened to me and helped me on my cancer diagnosis and treatment journey and has remained a constant support for me throughout everything. My MacMillan nurse gave me advice on how to break the news to our three daughters, and referred me to a 'parenting with cancer' course to help me continue supporting my family throughout my cancer journey.

When I started losing a lot of weight on my chemotherapy treatment, I got referred to a MacMillan 'Eat well and Feel Better' workshop and a 'Health and Wellbeing' course. They help me build upon my current knowledge and experience of food and nutrition, enabling me to make more informed choices that boost my appetite, supporting me to make positive change to help counter some of the treatment's side effects and live a healthier lifestyle.

Their wide range of free therapies (Acupuncture, Reiki and massages) and physical activities (Yoga and Pilates) helped me relax, reduced my anxiety and eased symptoms such as pain, nausea, insomnia and menopause.

But the activity that sparked the most joy was joining MacMillan's community allotment. It helped me connect with nature, continue my gardening hobby and make new friends in our new city Brighton. And then on top of all that, we would take the harvested organic fruits and vegetables to the Sussex Cancer Center and distribute them among the cancer patients in the chemotherapy suite.

Because of all MacMillan has done for me, have pledged to raise £250, and would really appreciate your support in reaching this, as a way of me giving something back to this great charity to continue to support others like me going through their cancer diagnoses and treatments.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe - they'll never sell them or send you unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. It's the most efficient way to donate, saving time and cutting costs. Please support me in supporting them!