A cancer diagnosis of any kind, any grade is devastating and the mental impact and fallout from survival or not surviving it, can stay with you, your family, friends, and colleagues far longer than the disease itself can.

I've experienced both sides of the disease.  My family have lost close relatives and friends to both breast and bowel cancer.  Maggies Centres provided much needed support for me and my family 6 years ago, when as a new mum I was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer.  I spent the majority of the first year of my daughters life having chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy to eradicate the cancer.

Maggies made me and my family feel welcome, included and supported.  I was reluctant to bring a newborn into the chemo ward, for fear of being judged and disturbing the other patients - but in fact she brightened up their day (and that of the staff and volunteers).  I was fearful of bringing her into the Maggies Support Centres in case she disturbed the peace that the centres give to patients and their families, but in contrast we were embraced and encouraged to go in.   

Maggies supported me on my 'What next...' phase when luckily the cancer had gone and I was at the point of getting ready to return to work, juggle a work/life balance, managing my appearance and not doing too much too soon. 

Maggies helped me on and off since with support for the mental and physical post-treatment struggles such as anxiety, depression and neuropathy (nerve damage), which come and go, even 5 years on from completing treatment.  I have used some of their many free workshops such as 'What now......?', 'Look good, feel better' (& free make-up products :)!).

I recently asked Maggies to deliver a Cancer In the Workplace session at my place of work to help raise awareness of the challenges a cancer diagnosis can bring to anyone directly or indirectly affected by cancer.  They did so, and did it willingly for free, and so, as a thank you to them, I am soaring the heights and abseiling off of the iconic Falkirk Wheel to raise money for Maggie's Edinburgh. 

I know times are hard, but only if you can, please donate what you can so we can help Maggie's to continue supporting people with cancer.

Thank you,

Diane