There is a 1 in 8 chance that a woman will get Breast Cancer.

That's someone elses Mum, Sister, Daughter, Auntie, Cousin, Neice or Bestie right ? 1 in 8 .... take a look around you at all the women in your life. 1 in 8. Oh and you .... yes YOU ...it could happen to you too....you could be that 1 in 8.

I'd not really factored being the 1 in 8 but it DID happen to me and now I am indeed on that "journey" that everyone who has cancer talks about. It's been an incredibly difficult road that keeps on winding. I couldn't have coped to date without the incredible support of my family, friends and wonderful healthcare team.

I have also been extremely lucky in that I found the cancer myself and since diagnosed had the support and care of the most amazing team at Stock Ward, Broomfield Hospital in arranging for my surgery and reconstruction. Broomfield basically are a centre of excellence in this type of procedure. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer in Essex/SE ... this is where you will be treated. The surgeons and staff are at the top of their game. They work relentlessly to give all the women on the ward the extra TLC and emotional support on top of their medical requirements. Oh and they make you laugh too ... really laugh. When you think you'll be crying - you're holding your wounds and crying with laughter. It's an amazing ward, in an amazing hospital, manned by amazing and extraordinary staff.

I'm now trying to help them raise money so that they can refurb the patients day room plus their own staff room.

If someone you love becomes that 1 in 8 I pray that they get looked after at Stock Ward. They really are Earth Angels and tbis is just my chance to give a little something back.

Thank you so much for reading and for your support.

Alison xx