This October, I’m taking on the 1 Mile a Day in October challenge to raise vital funds for lung cancer support and research.

As an ex-smoker, I was invited for routine lung cancer screening last year. They found a nodule and repeated the scan twice per year. Then, in May this year, everything changed.

Out of the blue, I was told that the nodule had increased in size and that it needed to be removed. I was told that there was a 15% chance that the lump would be cancerous.

Those words are something you never expect to hear. One moment you're planning your future, and the next you're facing fear, uncertainty, and questions nobody wants to ask.

Things moved quickly. July 14th I underwent major surgery to remove the growth and 40% of my right lung. This started as keyhole and then due to complications they had to revert to open surgery. Everything they removed was sent to the lab. I remember wondering what life would look like afterwards. Would I be able to walk far? Would I get my strength back? How would this effect my life?

We had to wait 3 weeks for the results to arrive. They confirmed it was cancer but also said they were confident they had removed everything and that it had been contained in the part of the lung removed.

The truth is, without screening, my cancer might not have been found until it was too late. Today, I consider myself incredibly fortunate. The surgeons, nurses, researchers and NHS staff who have dedicated their lives to fighting this disease have given me something priceless: a second chance. I am still recovering and have good and bad days but getting there slowly.

That is why I am taking on this charity walk.

Every step I take will be with gratitude for the people whose research helped save my life, and in support of those who are currently facing the same frightening diagnosis that I received in May.