As you probably know by now, in Nov 2020, age 26, I was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer. I was otherwise fit and healthy, with no family history or risk factors (apart from briefly taking the contraceptive pill). It was devastating news to receive, and those of you who have followed my journey will know that cancer has completely changed the trajectory of my life. I had 2.5 rounds of fertility preservation, 21 total rounds of chemo, 15 rounds of radiotherapy, 14 rounds (and counting) of immunotherapy, 6 surgeries and I’ve been in a medical menopause for just over 2 years. 

I’ve said before that cancer took an awful lot away from me; my innocence, my youth, my marriage, my life overseas, some friends, my boob, my optimism! BUT it has also given me so much. I’ve made friends for life among the cancer community, I’ve had amazing opportunities, I’ve developed an incredible new outlook and appreciation for life, and most importantly I’ve been able to help other young women going through this. 

CoppaFeel! is a charity that has helped me endlessly throughout my diagnosis, treatment and recovery and I feel SO passionately about their focus on younger people, because LORD if I had a £ for every time someone has told me I’m ‘too young’ to have cancer I wouldn’t need this page!! I don’t want to hear about ONE MORE young woman who has to fight to be diagnosed like I did, or be ignored and deprioritised because of their youth. 

I am trekking because I am still here, I survived and now I want to give back. I’m trekking for all of the beautiful breast cancer angels that I have adored and lost in the last 2 years. I am trekking in the hope that the money we raise prevents another young person having to be told the words ‘I’m sorry, but it’s cancer’. If only I’d known the signs sooner- my treatment would’ve been a minor op, and I never would’ve had to endure the gruelling and let’s be honest, traumatising treatment I have listed above. 1/10 do not recommend. 

Please dig deep, donate anything you can! I have SO MANY wonderful people in my life, so many people who have offered their help and support, and I’ve never really known what to say. But THIS is a way you can help! 

I’ll never stop being grateful for my second chance at life, and I’ll never stop reminding you to check your boobs…so go donate (and then check your boobs)!!

Ok, love you all, thank you- byeeeeeee

Charlotte xxx

CoppaFeel! are the first UK breast cancer charity to create awareness amongst young people, with the aim to instil a new healthy behaviour that could one day save a life. They are on a mission to ensure breast cancer is diagnosed early and correctly by getting the nation to check their boobs/chest regularly. They want to educate people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, encourage them to get to know what is normal for them and empower young people to have the confidence to see a doctor if they notice anything that isn't right for them.