Following a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2012 I found that I needed  some help to sort out the emotional fallout that a cancer diagnosis brings. So I started going along to CancerCare, joining their art group, where I was given a safe, relaxing space to help me find myself again.

Then in September 2016 I lost my brother to cancer and it stirred up emotions again for me about my own cancer journey. Once again CancerCare were there for me - this time through their Facebook support group. With the care and support I received I have rediscovered myself and now take on challenges to push myself and also to raise vital funds for this great charity.

This brings me to my latest challenge. In September  CancerCare put a call out asking for volunteers to take part in a Strictly Swing Dance competition. As Strictly Come Dancing is one of my favourite programmes I volunteered straight away. I am currently being given a crash course on how to Lindy Hop by the lovely and very patient members of the  Lancaster Lindy Circle. I will  then participate in a dance off with three other couples on Friday 14th December at the Winter Swing Ball in Lancaster. Each of us has been allocated an experienced dance partner from the group and we are busy learning a routine to perform on the night. None of us have ever danced Lindy Hop before and just getting my feet in the right place is a challenge in itself. We will perform two dances on the night, an individual routine and a group dance, in front of an audience. Not sure at the moment which is the biggest challenge - learning to Lindy Hop or performing in front of others. Your kind donation will make completing this challenge all the more worthwhile. 

CancerCare is a small local charity that has been offering help and support to the people of North Lancashire and South Cumbria for the past 35 years. The care and support that is offered to cancer patients, their families and friends is second to none. The services on offer are free to use and include counselling, aromatherapy, Alexander Technique, hypnotherapy, massage, play therapy and support groups. CancerCare provides support for people of all ages including children. Your donation will go to help provide equipment, employ staff, offer more services and maintain the beautiful, peaceful Victorian house where all this takes place. It takes a lot of money to run this charity but it helps so many people rediscover themselves following a cancer diagnosis.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.