My mum passed away in 2001 from an aggressive form of Breast Cancer, when I had just turned 5 years old, right before her 39th birthday.

I don't have many memories of my mum but the one thing I do remember was just how brave she was. She lived a happy and love filled life with me, my older sister and my dad until her out of the blue diagnosis of Breast Cancer when she was 38. Although I don't remember much, I do remember life changing very much so after she became ill - my once full of life and hilarious mum became ill quite quickly after her diagnosis, having to endure chemotherapy and a mastectomy, losing her hair, being quite sick and all the other side affects cancer treatments bring. However, despite going through what I can only imagine as absolute hell, she always kept her positive, kind and loving demeanour and never let me or my sister down - continuing to be the most loving and supportive mum, wife, sister, auntie and friend she could be to us all. Unfortunately, after being diagnosed it didn't take long for the cancer to spread and metastasize, and she passed away from her illness less than a year after being diagnosed.

If I think back to when we first found out my mum was ill, cancer was one of the scariest diagnoses you could receive - often being referred to as The Big C, because people were too afraid to even speak the name (if you have no experience of Cancer over 20 years ago, you may think I'm joking but it was literally such a taboo subject, just like He Who May Not Be Named in Harry Potter!). I remember it being a particularly difficult time, aside from being so young and not fully understanding the gravity of the situation, because it was such a secret subject that no one fully understood, nor wanted to talk about. And this feeling continued for a long time after she passed, because it hasn't been until recent years with things like Stand Up To Cancer, that people were so open to discussing and sharing their cancer stories - I can only imagine the support and community it would've given my mum to have experienced what those with cancer have now - but back then it was a lonely world.

I think as I've gotten older, I've started to notice my mum's absence more and more, especially all the milestones she's missed and all those yet to come that I'd love her to be there for. And I'm at an age where I realise just how terrifying it must have been for her, to know she wouldn't see us grow up and to know she would be leaving my dad, the love of her life, as a single parent. I am very fortunate that she wrote me a letter before she passed, reminding me to fill every single minute of the day, and be happy not sad - "Don't cry for me, I had a wonderful life, all the more so for knowing you." Her favourite poem was If by Rudyard Kipling, words she always told me to live my life by - if you are ever struggling please read this poem as it has helped me immensely whenever I have felt lost.

My mum had a love for travel, exploring and education - often telling my sister and I that travel and education would make well-rounded women, able to think and act for themselves, which has always stayed close to my heart. Last year I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for another charity close to my heart - Muscular Dystrophy UK - and so this year I have decided to dedicate my trek to Mt. Everest Basecamp to my mum, who would've been 61 this year, and to raise as much awareness as I can for Prevent Breast Cancer - as the earlier we are aware of causes or symptoms, the quicker Breast Cancer is to detect and the more chance of surviving and living a happy, long life.

So, this crazy adventure is dedicated to you mum! And all the other incredibly brave people who have or will be touched by Breast Cancer in their lives - I know she will be with me every step of the way.

Please remember to check your breasts, and never be embarrassed or afraid to visit the doctor or talk to a friend if you feel concerned and get advice - it could save your life!

Predict. Prevent. Protect. You could call it our mantra. As the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer, we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. Being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease.