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In 2005, at the age of 27, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the most devastating and life changing news I had ever had. After a mastectomy, reconstruction and a course of hormone treatment over 5 years, I thought I was all clear. But a year on and the cancer had returned, requiring further surgery and radiotherapy. That was now 2 years ago and I feel incredibly lucky to have survived this horrible disease and to have an 11 month old daughter and an amazing husband to share this adventure through life with. But the experience changes you in a permanent way.

Every day I am grateful for life. Because I know things could be very different. Two years after my initial diagnosis, a friend of ours, Joanna, then aged 28 was also diagnosed with breast cancer. But her story ended very differently to mine. Jo's cancer was more aggressive and ultimately spread throughout her body. In 2009, when Jo was 31, her doctors told her she probably had no more than 2 years to live. It amazed me how well she was able to accept the fact that her life would be short and was thankful for all she had achieved and experienced in her life. She was never bitter or resentful. In fact, she went through numerous rounds of treatment with humour and bravery. I have no doubt it was this frame of mind that meant she lived well beyond the doctor's expectations. She married the love of her life and celebrated their first wedding anniversary before the cancer spread further and her health deteriorated rapidly. Tragically, Jo passed away in May 2013. For those of us that knew her, she left her mark on us, so inspirational was her strength of spirit and ability to always see a funny side in every experience. She will not be forgotten.

I am holding a "pink brunch" with friends this October (Breast Awareness Month) in honour of Joanna and all those who are affected by this disease. One in every 10 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The most important thing is for us all to check ourselves regularly and to recognise the symtoms early to ensure the best chance of successful treatment and survival.

I have decided to use the brunch as an opportunity to raise awareness of breast cancer among younger women and to raise funds for St Christopher's Hospice who cared for Joanna and supported her husband in her last weeks.

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