As most of you will know, last September my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Some pretty gruelling treatments and surgery were undertaken to halt its inexorable march through my body; and it seems the gods of fate were on my side as I was given the all clear this March. 

When clinically synopsised in a few neat sentences it all sounds relatively simple. I can promise you it was anything but: but here’s a secret that not many people outside of the cancer club are privy to. 

The battles which sustain or drain your resolve to stand strong as the forest fire of chemo scorches your internal landscape are fought within your own mind. So too are the struggles to restart your life as you survey the charred wreckage left within once the fire has subsided. It’s hard to communicate the fear, hope, anger, joy and occasional despair that ricochet through your neurones like pinballs at terminal velocity on an hourly basis: and the journey can feel so isolating at times. Particularly when you seem to be 20 years younger than everyone else in any treatment room or support group you enter. 

I wish I could say that my story was unique, but 34 young people just like me are diagnosed with cancer everyday in the UK: and for us, Trekstock shine like a beacon in the darkness. Providing practical, emotional support through their programs and organising wonderful events to help young people cope with the stellar curve ball life has thrown them, and gifting us all with a community of inspiring men and women who just “get it”. 

So this September, to mark my cancerversary and support the incredible work they do my amazing Aunty and I are preparing to seriously challenge ourselves by cycling from London to Paris in a pretty epic four day ride. It won’t be easy, but then nothing worth achieving ever is. 

So please give anything you can to help us along the way, and know that every penny will make an immeasurable difference to the life a young person facing a hard road, who needs a hand to hold: because no one should feel like they’re facing cancer alone. This is for the 34. 

Thanks 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.