Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
In 2003 my story began! Whilst pregnant with my first child Emily, I discovered a lump in my neck and was reassured by medical staff that thyroid swelling is common in pregnancy. However, after giving birth and the lump increasing in size, I had surgery to remove half of my thyroid gland. Eight weeks post surgery, in July 2004, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. What a shock, my life had been turned upside down with a visit to the hospital. The next few months were challenging for both myself and my family. I had a 10 month old baby at home and now faced more surgery and a spell in isolation following radioactive iodine ablation therapy.
I am now 7 years down the line and thanks to the support and encouragement from my family and friends, have come through the ordeal. Despite making a good recovery, I now face a future dependant on medication and regular hospital check ups. I still always wonder 'Why me?'
Throughout my illness and recovery, I always found comfort in the support and advice that the British Thyroid Foundation provide. Their newsletter is invaluable, providing information and medical advice, and their 'contacts' are always only a phone call away.
It is for this reason that, on 20th August we are taking part in a 5 mile walk along the river in York, with family and friends, as part of the 'Big BTF Summer Walk for Awareness', in order to raise money to fund research into thyroid conditions.
I want to give back something to a charity that provides myself and my family with advice and support, so please, please sponsor us in our walk along the River Ouse.
