Heidi Loughlin author of Storm in a Tit Cup, Mother, Portisheadian, Cancerland dweller and owner of wrinkles. 

If you are anything like me, then over the summer holiday you were never actually ‘beach ready’. I spent August flitting between cake, BBQs and I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t wine involved. When Penny Brohn asked me if I’d like to be involved in the Bristol ‘Stomp’ walk in October there was kind of a ‘Bump n Grind’ moment when the popular lyrics ‘my minds telling me no, but my body’s telling me yes’ started bouncing in my brain. I’d neglected myself somewhat and it was time to get back into action. And what better way to do that then a walk with the community around beautiful Bristol. Having been diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer in September 2015 at the age of 32 and whilst 13 weeks pregnant, I was now part of a new community. The Cancer one. It’s not one I ever wanted to join, but I did, and I was determined to make the best of it. Penny Brohn is just up the road from me and I have seen first hand how it has helped countless people across the UK. I’m part of many online communities and the name Penny Brohn is a household favourite. Its essence is a complimentary approach to cancer treatment which basically means that living with cancer is not just about medicine. It’s a whole person approach. To me that means, healthy body, healthy mind and healthy attitude.

I will always have cancer. I am incurable. But that doesn’t mean that my life is over. Since having Cancer and whilst on active chemotherapy I have travelled across America, completed a canoe marathon, cycled 200 miles in 3 days, jumped out of a plane AND I’ve sat in front of the telly and watched the whole season of love island. I have achieved!

Its important for me to remain active and positive in my body and my mind; to remain happy and in control of my life. This is not always easy but by doing something positive with your local community you can feel supported and offer support to others. And if nothing else, it’ll burn off a few calories to make room for when we must eat the kid’s sweets on Halloween.

On the 13th of October I will walk 6 miles with my friends, family and local community. Not just the Cancer community but also my fellow Bristolians that have given me unrelenting support through my diagnosis and the devastating loss of our daughter Ally when she was 8 days old. I’m taking part in ‘Stomp’ as a thank you to Penny Brohn for all they do for the Cancer Community and as a thank you to Bristol for all the support they have given me personally. I love being a Bristolian and can’t wait to get walking with you so come on sign up and let’s walk together. 

See you then, Heidi x

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