Breast Cancer UK's 25 Saves Lives campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October aims to raise vital funds for breast cancer research and prevention. 

My Dad was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, he underwent an emergency Mastectomy, completely removing his left breast. Following the procedure the results found he was in group 3, HER2 positive (an aggressive form). He proceeded to have 6 months of chemotherapy, thankfully his treatment finished just before the Covid lockdown but was particularly vulnerable through the pandemic.

He is now all clear but taking medication for the next 10 years to reduce the risk of it coming back. If you didn’t know, breast cancer is rare in men and there are about 350 men diagnosed each year in the UK. This compares to around 55,000 cases in women. He was very lucky to find this in time and have a speedy operation. Many men don’t check there breasts as much as women but it should be part of our regular routine for all of us.

As it’s been such an uncertain year with the Covid pandemic; feeling unable to fundraise how I normally would (via organised events). I took the opportunity to ask Nic to help me fundraise this year. Us girls took up tennis during the lockdown and now is the time to challenge my closest friends...to some competition!

Nic and I will be competing in a 25 set match (possibly over 2 days!) to raise money breast cancer UK. So let’s ‘smash’ this! (quite literally) :) and please wish us luck by digging deep to support a cause that impacts everyone, either yourself, a loved one or someone you know! ;)

I also want to honour this event to a few other people.

Just a few words to my beautiful, kind, loving nan; the strongest woman I know. Independent, extremely loyal but so caring and a true supporter of my whole family.  An inspiration to me and others, we were blessed to have her.  She passed away in 2019 cancer and another non related condition. 

I love you so much and I miss you everyday. You’re always in our hearts and thoughts and I know you support this event and would be proud. Thank you for everything you brought to me, taught me and to my family.

To my friends mum, who had a very similar diagnosis to my Dad back in 2018; this is also for you.

To my sisters best friends mum, who sadly passed to breast cancer.

To my Nan and great Aunt who also both overcame breast cancer. I love you.

....and to everyone else who knows someone going through the same.

Please donate and support such a great cause this year, when all fundraising has hugely declined due to Covid.  Let’s do our best!

With love and thanks for all your support, I am truly grateful.

Last but not least, to my friends Nichola and Kim. Nichola for agreeing to help me with this fundraiser and to Kim for her support now, always and forever.

With love,

Angela and Nichola x