Hello, thanks for dropping in, to find out what this is all about.

Let me start with what I'm doing and why I thought it would be a good idea to climb a few mountains in Wales, then I'll tell you a bit more about CoppaFeel!, the incredible charity we're raising money for.

>> I'm hiking 100km across the Brecon Beacons, Wales, in June, with 100+ others who mostly have had breast cancer at some point in the past. Some are still living with it (secondary breast cancer) and there's also a good contingent who are hiking in memory of someone they have lost to it.

>> There have been four charities that have significantly impacted my breast cancer experience and CoppaFeel! especially. The focus of the organisation mirrors in many ways, it's founder Kris Hellenger, hand has been an incredible inspiration to me, keeping the conversation around cancer optimistic, intelligent and fun, whilst still very real and urgent, when it comes to raising money for research and advocacy.

After treatment finished in December, I wanted to find a positive way to remain connected to people and organisations supporting research and education around early diagnosis of breast cancer, and these guys make doing that a lot of fun, with their treks and fundraising support.

>> The charity is part of my story in 2022, when I first discovered a lump, thanks to their monthly texts that encouraged me to check my boobs and act on what I found.

I'm not going to pretend I was confident when I saw my GP or would have advocated for myself if she'd doubted me (she was brilliant and I was 52). But I've heard of so many GPs who dismiss the notion of breast cancer in young people who present with a concern about a breast, and the young person hasn't known how to advocate for themself.

CoppaFeel! is the first UK breast cancer charity to create awareness amongst young people, with the aim to instil a new healthy behaviour that could one day save a life. That’s why my three, now in their 20s, are also helping me get the word out 😊

CoppaFeel! is on a mission to ensure breast cancer is diagnosed early and correctly by getting the nation to check their boobs/chest regularly. They 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.

1 in 7 women will experience breast cancer in their lifetime and 400 men a year. 2300 women each year under the age of 39 will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

We'll be breaking in our boots, testing out our camping mats (and talking about boobs even more than usual), over the next 5 months, to raise loads of money so CoppaFeel! can continue reaching more young people

If you don't know your boobs or chest, or just want to know a bit more about what I'm talking about, take a look at their work here and share it with others: https://coppafeel.org/breast-cancer-info-and-advice/how-do-i-check/

I'll keep you updated here with some fundraising projects coming soon.

I'll be knitting things, selling stuff on Vinted, running a Lottertitty, growing flowers to sell and hosting an event here at Well Cottage.

Clare x