I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of September.  Words cannot describe the feelings you experience when this happens to you.  I have never been so frightened and there is nothing anyone can say or do to make that better.  I have undergone 2 operations, 6 cycles of chemotherapy (with a bout of covid in between) and countless blood tests, scans and appointments.  I am due 5 sessions of radiotherapy after my chemo. 

An army of health care professionals have got me through this and have supported me when I needed it.  I have been looked after by the wonderful team in the breast clinic in St Albans as well as the incredible staff at Mount Vernon Hospital.

I took the decision a few months ago to stop using the cold cap (a device designed to save your hair) and I shaved my head in preparation for the hair loss and to be able to wear a wig.  I took a photo of myself bald to amuse my good friend Jane.  To cheer me up she used this image and drew on a few funny 'hats' including the notorious fish 'hat' which remains one of my favourites.  At the end of January I shared these with my facebook family and I think they enjoyed the early 'hats'.  By the beginning of February Jane was sending me one 'hat' a day which I shared on facebook.  These have become more and more elaborate, from Buzz Lightyear, Captain Jack Sparrow, Marge Simpson to Minnie Mouse, Freddie Mercury and Elton John.  My facebook family have looked forward to the daily 'hat'!  Jane and I agreed that the last 'hat' would be posted to mark my last chemo session.  It wasn't our intention at all to try and fundraise from these funny 'hats' but it would seem like a missed opportunity given how much people have enjoyed them!

The money we raise will go the breast clinic through the West Hertfordshire Hospitals Raise charity.  Please give generously.  They really are the most incredible group of people and I am forever indebted to them.  

Below is a little bit about Raise:

Raise is here to support patient care across Watford General, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans City hospitals.

Every patient deserves the highest quality care and your donations help fund the latest technology, environmental enhancements, staff development and extra comforts that make such a difference to patients, day after day, above and beyond what the NHS can afford alone.

Supporters like you can help ensure that the care provided continues to be of the highest level and that patients and their families will benefit for years to come.