As many of you are aware, in 2016-at the age of 34, I was diagnosed with Breast cancer. As if the diagnosis wasn’t stressful enough I then had to endure an array of tests at the Western general hospital, resulting in a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery followed by months of ‘delightful’ chemotherapy. Diagnosis in my 30’s with two young children shook my world and if it wasn’t for the support from my amazing family and friends my head space would of definitely been compromised.

This August will mark my 2 year anniversary since I was diagnosed and a challenge I felt beyond any doubt was required. I have entered the great Scottish swim at Loch Lomond and plan to swim 2 miles along side my 2 sisters (Rosie and Sam) and friends Shona and Grace. None of us have open water swimming experience and therefore 2 miles is certainly a challenge.

More than 55,000 women and 350 men in the uk are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and therefore we would like to raise money for the charity breast cancer now. The charity focuses on raising awareness, campaigning for change regarding drugs that are not funded by the NHS and vital research into the disease. I would also like to donate money to the volunteers at Heidi’s heart pillow project, these volunteers make heart shaped cushions to support the breast following surgery and ‘trendy’ drain bags which can hold a drain, discreetly hiding it’s contents and also frees up the arms.

I would like to thank you all in advance for your donations and we will make sure to keep you up to date on the final total, as well as photos and possibly the odd video. 😬. Wish us luck on the 25th August. Thanks again.

Julie, Rosie, Sam, Shona and Grace xx