Sadly breast cancer affects so many people each year and unfortunately in 2021 I was one of those people. In February last year, concerned about a small lump under my right arm I went to the GP to get it checked. After several tests the lump was given the all clear however the mammogram detected breast cancer in my left breast. It was of course a total shock, however I was extremely lucky that it had been discovered. After a bumpy road of a lumpectomy and subsequent mastectomy and reconstruction followed by a round of radiotherapy I am now fighting fit and clear of cancer!

2 weeks post-surgery in June last year I was able to cheer my husband and friends on at the Great North swim in Windermere. It was then that I set myself and my amazing water phobic friend Sam the challenge to swim at the 2022 Great North Swim on 11^th June to raise money for Breast Cancer UK! Its fair to say neither of us are proficient swimmers and both have a fear of open water and what lies beneath!! However, therein lies the challenge and, bedecked in wetsuits, socks and anything else that can protect us from the elements, we have completed a beginners swim course in preparation for the event! Hearing of the challenge we have now amassed an amazing group of 12 friends of mixed swimming abilities to join in. So ‘Team Crayfish’ (Stephen, Dan, Sam, Lee, Karl, Amy, Ian, Sarah, Kara, Karla, Anne, Darcy and Me) now have all the gear ….. but we need your sponsorship to buoy us (ha, ha) along and raise money for this amazing cause. Please give what you can – we are hoping to a raise £5000 as a Team for Breast Cancer UK. We will keep you posted on our progress as the swim gets closer!

Thank you