In August 2016 I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer. Within 2 months I had a mastectomy and reconstruction, followed by ongoing hormone treatment to help prevent the cancer coming back. The two biggest risk factors for breast cancer are being female and getting older and there's not much anyone can do to avoid those, but something that does help reduce the risk is exercise. So I run. Not fast and to date, not very far, but it all helps. And now my sister, Danielle, runs too.

When I was diagnosed I found great support from the online community of men and women who have had breast cancer, some of whom are living with incurable secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer. I came across the amazing Jo Taylor, who is living with secondary breast cancer but finds the passion, energy and time to run abcdiagnosis (after breast cancer diagnosis). This is a huge support and resource to people with primary and secondary breast cancer. Jo also runs exercise retreats for people with cancer, in her own time. People attending can try out different forms of exercise in a safe, supportive space amongst people who have similar experiences. You can read more about Jo's wonderful work here: http://www.abcdiagnosis.co.uk/lifestyle/abcd-retreat/

So, to help in some small way, my sister and I are running 10k on 15th December and will be donating some money to help fund the abcdiagnosis exercise retreats. We have set up this page as a crowdfunding page as abcdiagnosis is a not for profit Community Interest Company not a registered charity.

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