I have signed up to cycle 350 miles through 4 countries in 4 days, starting at Darent Valley Hospital and ending in Amsterdam. On this occasion the money we will be raising is for 2 things very close to my heart.

Firstly to support the Darent Valley Hospital Breast Cancer Unit in purchasing the latest 3D imaging technology. As most of you are aware, my Auntie Jo sadly passed away after her battle with Breast Cancer, 2 years ago. Jo was not only my Auntie but 1 of my best friends, the battle Jo and my family went through was indescribable and sadly too many people have to suffer- one in eight women in the UK will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. More women than ever are surviving breast cancer thanks to better awareness, better screening and better treatments. Around five out of six women diagnosed in the UK today will be alive in five years’ time, compared to three out of six women 40 years ago. However, nearly 1,000 women still die of breast cancer every month in the UK, including around 80 women in Scotland. Jo had triple negative breast cancer. This type of breast cancer does not respond to hormonal therapy medicines or medicines that target HER2 protein receptors which meant she couldn't have the hormone treatment to prevent it coming back.

The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment. If this new machine at Darent Valley detects another ladies cancer early enough for it to be cured, the 4 days of torture will be worth every second! 

Secondly, the funds will go to Darent Valley's little buds special baby care unit. They plan to expand and upgrade Walnut Ward from 22 to 26 cots and create a 'discharge nursery' with family seating areas and a play corner. 

We will also be donating towards the most up-to-date equipment needed for babies born prematurely. This includes a Kanmed Twin baby bed and a baby warmer. It will enable babies to be moved from an incubator much sooner using the Baby Warmer so it's easier for parents to see and touch their babies at this crucial time. The twin cot means the babies can be reunited and nursed together much sooner than would otherwise be the case. 

As our local hospital, I'm sure most of my friends and family have at some point had an experience at Darent Valley. It was not the hospital that treated my auntie Jo, however my family have had positive experiences from the wonderful staff and doctors at the hospital and as mad as I am it is with pride and immense gratitude that I have this opportunity to be a part of this. Our/ your support means staff are able to do so much more with the resources made available to them.

Any donations would be much apricated and contribute towards a great cause.

Thank you.