In February 2018 I was diagnosed with a grade 3 invasive HER2 positive ductal carcinoma - an aggressive, fast growing Breast cancer. What then followed was a 5 month regime of chemotherapy & biological targeted treatments, 2 lots of major surgery, a month of radiotherapy, and 7 further months of Herceptin injections. Let's just say, it was a CRAZY year - resulting in me sporting a new CURLY hair do! 😂

At the start of 2019, with the end of my treatment in sight, I found myself feeling pretty low and a bit lost. I was uncertain of how I went about getting on with life, and coping with 'my new normal'... And then I met a fabulous (Read: "ever so slighty INSANE!") bunch of ladies from the Team Phoenix Foundation - a charity set up to support Breast Cancer women mentally, physically and emotionally. It's a support group with a difference that's for sure! 

The mind, body and soul are all seriously affected by the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Each year, the Team Phoenix Foundation work incredibly hard to support a group of women through a tailor-made 6 month social and training programme, with dedicated coaches and mentors, to regain physical and mental wellbeing while building friendships and a lasting support structure. Ultimately, these ladies then work together to complete a sprint distance triathlon. Hence the motto, "Helping Breast Cancer Women Rise from the Ashes and Fly Across the Finish Line of a Triathlon".   

Yes people I said TRIATHLON!!!!!! Anyone that knows me well, will recognise that: 1. 'I don't run!'. 2.  I don't really like swimming and 3. Although I can ride a bike, I don't have the fitness or stamina for much distance!!!  Apparently though, none of this matters (!).... and I have (proudly!) been accepted into the 2019 Team Phoenix Firebirds!!! 

Our team of 9 ladies will be competing in the Hever Castle triathlon on 28th September 2019, which consists of a 400m lake swim, 20km bike ride, followed by a 4km run (Christ help me!!!! 😱😱)

As it can cost over £1000 to provide the support and training for just one woman in this process, I would like to raise as much money as I possibly can to enable more women like me to find some positivity after a Breast Cancer diagnosis.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and if you are able to, PLEASE donate whatever you can!

Big kisses, Lauren xx

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