Thank you for being here...

In March 2022, my world turned upside down as the words "You have Breast Cancer", came from the doctors mouth. I was numb. I can't remember most of the appointment, where they told me what would happen next. For a few weeks after, I was full of fear, pain, confusion, anger, distress, and despair. I was exhausted, terrified, sick, and in utter disbelief.

When I was going through Chemotherapy, I told my husband that when I was through the other side, I was going to get fit again and do a really big challenge to give back. So when I saw this opportunity I just went for it. I was very fortunate to have faultless treatment and for me, it's really important to help do anything I can to get more people diagnosed early so they can live a long, healthy life and thrive also. I have worries every day about it coming back, and it's difficult to shut these out at times. But the way I cope is to find other things to stay focused on and this year, it's a unique opportunity...trekking the Indian Himalayas for the most incredible charity, CoppaFeel!

When I applied I didn't think I would have a chance, but it was meant to be and here I am on my next chapter after Cancer. My experience with Cancer has been and will remain the most difficult I have ever faced in my life, but every day I am so thankful that my breast cancer was caught early enough to give me a second chance at life. I am living, thriving, and so fortunate to create more lasting memories with my children and my family. There are too many beautiful souls being diagnosed too late and lost to this brutal disease. Through more awareness of the signs and earlier diagnoses, this can change; lives can be saved!

If you don't know about CoppaFeel! They are the first UK breast cancer charity to create awareness amongst young people, with the aim to instill a new healthy behaviour that could one day save a life. They are on a mission to ensure breast cancer is diagnosed early and correctly by getting the nation to check their boobs/chest regularly. They want to educate people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, encourage them to get to know what is normal for them, and empower young people to have the confidence to see a doctor if they notice anything that isn't right for them.

I will be trekking the Indian Himalayas for 5 days, 8-9 hours a day, with some very early mornings, extreme weather, and altitudes of over 2,800m. I will be documenting my journey on my Instagram profile @healthierjugs, please hop on over to give me a follow and see how the journey unfolds!

If you can give anything to help fundraising I would be so grateful. It doesn't have to be big or grand, anything truly will help. I want to raise as much as I possibly can for this charity, and I am so grateful for your support. If you aren't able to give financially a share of my JustGiving page would be amazing too! :-) Thank you so much!

Shelley x