In November 2023 my beautiful daughter Melissa was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. She was 31 years old and had a 5 month old daughter, Clara.

Her treatment consisted of chemotherapy, mastectomy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy over a 16 month period. A long and tough journey alongside caring for her newborn daughter.

In June 2025, just one month after finishing her treatment, she was taken ill and in August 2025 it was confirmed that the TNBC had returned, spreading to other areas and was now incurable. I worked with her husband Tom to research as many options as possible for prolonging her life with the hope of some new groundbreaking treatment becoming available.

TNBC is rare and sadly research hasn’t been as widespread as for other breast cancers. It is the most aggressive form of breast cancer with a high recurrence rate.

Tragically Melissa lost her brave battle on 11th December 2025 at the age of 33.

Throughout this heartbreaking time Melissa was supported by her loving husband, great friends and family; Kerry and myself have been supported by our great friends and families too.

One friend in particular said they wanted to do something in Melissa’s memory and as we cycle as a group it was suggested we undertake the Manchester – Blackpool Bike Ride on 12th July 2026.

The 'Miles for Melissa' team members are: Andy Brown, Helen Gozem, Mark Gozem, Antony Jackson, Helen Mackay, Simon Mackay, Andy Printy, Phil Shea and myself.

Whilst the entrance fee supports The Christie Charity, we are raising funds for 2 great charities:

- Breast Cancer Now who support much needed research into TNBC

- Macmillan Cancer Support, the nurses having so brilliantly supported Melissa

Thank you for reading, and for your donation xx

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