I turned 30 last October and told myself that I would set myself a big challenge this year, something I would be really proud to achieve, which would test me physically and mentally. I'd seen the CoppaFeel treks on social media and thought I would submit an application for the June Isle of Skye expedition. To my utter amazement I was selected, which feels like such an incredible privilege.

One of my best friends developed breast cancer when we were in our early 20's, so it has always been a cause at the forefront of my mind. Thankfully, she is still with me today, our friendship has grown ever stronger over the years and she believes that this is such an amazing opportunity for me. I will take on this challenge with the strength it took her to battle this illness, all the while she would be looking out for others, including the support she gave me through loss that I suffered. She is now almost a qualified nurse, with a beautiful family and I couldn't be more proud of her. She is an inspiration to me.

When the COVID pandemic put a stop to everything, I made the choice to dedicate time and effort to my mental health and fitness journey. I made some positive changes to my lifestyle, signed up to the gym, started with my personal trainer in 2022 and now feel like a big part of my gym community, feeling strong both physically and mentally. Although this 100km trek will test me physically, it does make me incredibly nervous at the thought of going somewhere on my own, not knowing anyone prior to meeting up at the train station on Day 1! But aside from that, I am so excited to meet all these wonderful humans, who all share a common denominator of such a worthy cause.

A bit about CoppaFeel...

CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest.

We educate people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests regularly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves. We do this because when diagnosed early and accurately, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection truly can save lives.