Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2016.  I had a Lumpectomy and was told the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes so I would need a course of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.  I finished active treatment in February 2017 but will be taking medication and having injections for the next 5-10 years.  I couldn't have won this fight without the support of my wonderful family and friends and also help from the staff at the Marina Dalglish Centre at Aintree Hospital.

I tried to remain positive through the whole experience.  A particular low point for me was losing my hair, eyelashes and eyebrows, but as someone very wise reminded me, it's only packaging and it actually wasn't as traumatic as I expected.  

The most frustrating part of treatment was not being able to be out running as much as I wanted to.  I had been running between 20-40 miles each week but through treatment I could only just manage 3-6 miles if anything at all.  I kept at it though and was determined not to be beaten.  I wanted cancer to fit into my life rather than it taking over.  I'm now running 20-30 miles a week and although it's a struggle, I'm loving it.

I have decided to enter the Liverpool half marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday 28th May in support of the Marina Dalglish Appeal (even if I have to crawl over the finish line)!

From my very first appointment, to being diagnosed, having surgery, treatment and aftercare, the staff at the Centre have been amazing.  I can't praise them enough and they helped make the whole process more bearable not only for me but my family too.  I got to meet the fabulous lady herself last year and knew then that I wanted to raise money for her charity which helps so many women (and men) battling breast cancer.  I hope to also raise awareness of this horrible disease and show that we won't be beaten!