On Aug 8th it will be my 60th birthday. It will also be 5 years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer and showed it the door.

Being diagnosed was life changing and I did not find it easy to deal with, physically or emotionally. Those that provided support in my time of need are true angels, from the tireless efforts of the NHS, to my nearest and dearest friends and family who showered me with the love I needed to find the courage to face each day.

A small, unassuming group of people who have been through the same diagnosis went out of their way to help me make sense of this new life I was facing, and I cannot emphasise enough the importance of support groups like these.

Breast Friends Aylesbury reach out to offer mutual support and friendship to people affected by breast cancer, who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment or who have recovered from breast cancer. They provide a forum for women to share their experiences and emotions about the breast cancer journey.

They are not funded, they raise what they can with tea, cakes and smiles. Yet year on year this small happy band bring light, love, hope and inspiration to those of us in need.

If you are planning to celebrate my 60th birthday and join in with my 5 year survivorship happy dance, don’t send me a card or buy me a pressie, donate the money to Breast Friends Aylesbury instead, that would be a lovely gift for me, and so very useful to someone else.

If we only raise enough to buy them cake that’s fine, they’ll be delighted, but if we can raise enough so that they can market their services to a wider audience and reach more people like me, you will be providing the best gift of all. £300 will enable them to get leaflets and posters printed and out into the community.

Thank you