We’re Breast Cancer Now, the charity that’s steered by world-class research and powered by life-changing support.

We’re here for anyone affected by breast cancer, the whole way through, providing support for today and hope for the future.

I am so thrilled to run for Breast Cancer Now to help fund research and support all those affected by breast cancer, especially secondary breast cancer. This cause particularly close to my heart as you will see. I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2005 when I was 34. At the time I had two young children, aged 4 and 7. My world fell apart - you imagine the worst. I was treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton where I received fantastic care from the whole team. I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was supported all the way. As part of my treatment I was put in touch with some other ladies also going through the same treatment. These ladies, my Boobie friends, were an amazing support network and are still friends to this day, meeting up regularly. Sadly we have lost three of them and most of us have been through it for a second time. But we have an incredible bond.

I was diagnosed again in 2013 following a routine mammogram. It caught me completely by surprise. I thought I’d travelled that journey and life was now good. My world fell apart again, I couldn’t go through this again. I had been so positive after completion of my first treatment and here it was; back again. But I picked myself up and endured a long surgery and more chemotherapy. I was supported again all this time and especially by my boobie friends.

After completion of my second set of treatment I was determined to do everything possible to keep myself healthy and took up running. It was very casual at first, just 5kms at parkrun, but I found a love for it and it gave me wonderful time on my own to run, and give thanks for my renewed health, something many, including some very dear friends of mine, are not lucky enough to benefit from.

Running for Breast Cancer Now is my opportunity to give something back for the wonderful care and treatment I have received and to raise valuable funds to help fund research into this disease, so that everyone diagnosed can be treated effectively and go on to live life to the full, something I am immensely grateful for. But also, for those with a terminal diagnosis to make the most of their time left, make precious memories and prolong this time as much as possible.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to run for Breast Cancer Now and cannot wait to raise funds and run the race - TCS London Marathon 2025.