in September 2023 I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

It was not something I’d ever expected to experience first hand and it truly knocked me sideways.

After a traumatic month of scans, biopsies and waiting for results, I had my surgery in October 2023.

My recovery at home was complicated and I had to be readmitted for 3 days. I nearly had more surgery but luckily medicines did the trick and got me home to my family.

Online support from MacMillan helped me understand the tests and treatment that I needed and how to break the news to my three children. The online community support groups they run helped me to decide to seek medical attention when I was worried after my operation and to seek advice about the side effects of the hormonal treatment most breast cancer patients end up on.. Quite simply, without MacMillan I wouldn’t have been as well informed as I was.

In January 2024 I discovered the MacMillan Horizon centre in Brighton where I live. The services they provide are amazing; different holistic therapies, yoga classes, informative talks relevant to your type of cancer by health experts in that field, online meditation groups, breath work courses to aid stress and relaxation and counselling. This is just a small sample of what they offer to cancer patients and their families. I’ve used all of these services and without MacMillan this amazing centre wouldn’t be able to help people like me recover and regain some sense of normality..

Charities are also feeling the current financial squeeze and need our donations more than ever to continue their amazing work.

So in June 2025, I have challenged myself to take on the South Coast Mighty Hike to help raise money for people living with cancer. It is my way of giving something back for all the help they’ve given me. I will be doing this hike with an artificial boob and an artificial hip but I am confident my training to get fit and my previous experience as a marathon runner will get me through the physical and emotional challenge of 14 (very hilly) miles.

I will also be doing this hike with 13 other amazing women; my sisters, sister in law and various friends who all have their own personal reasons for doing this. Your pledge can be made to the team above or to me individually. As a team we aim to raise over £3000 and individually we have each pledged £250 so any donation however small will help.

I'd be so grateful if you could help me reach my £250 goal, which can pay for a Macmillan Nurse for one day. This could provide people living with cancer and their families essential medical, practical and emotional support.

There are currently 3 million people living with cancer in the UK today. It's Macmillan's goal to be there for everyone from the moment of diagnosis, but they can't do this without donations from people like you.

Thank you!

Sandra xxx

UPDATE: absolutely blown away by all the support and I smashed my original target of £250 so I have increased my target to £500 (I like a nice round number!) Thank you so much to all who have donated so far. Only £50 short of final target xxx