In January 2022, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 41. It was a massive shock to us and our family. 2022 was a year of treatment for my cancer and reducing the chances of it returning involving 2 major surgeries and much of the year off work. In 2023 I am cycling from London to Brighton with a team of amazing friends in support of the Breast Cancer Research Fund of Southampton Hospitals Charity to give something back to the teams that have supported me so well in the last year.

Southampton Hospital is my work family. I studied medicine in Southampton and then trained as a paediatrician in the Wessex region, and was appointed as a consultant in Southampton in 2015. I work as a general paediatrician and researcher. I am passionate about the importance of research to improve the care and outcomes for patients, in all areas of medicine, including children and, because of my own experiences, breast cancer treatment.

There is really good evidence (from research) that exercise can reduce the risk of recurrence in breast cancer by around 30%, as well as being great for mental and physical health and for combating the effects of an early immediate menopause, caused by some of my treatment! For this reason, I am prioritising exercise and have really enjoyed being back on my bike especially riding in the countryside. I wanted to have something to challenge myself as part of my recovery and to fundraise at the same time, so decided to do the London to Brighton ride. I mentioned this to a couple of friends and before long a large team of wonderful women had decided to join me for this challenge.

A cancer diagnosis is devastating, and my journey through 2022 was not without its challenges, pain and tears. But, I have so much to be grateful for, not least the expertise and kindness of those, from my own work family, who have cared for me so wonderfully. Our family and friends have been an amazing support and we could not have got through this last year without them. I am blown away that so many of my friends want to join me and contribute to the fundraising efforts for such an important cause.

We are fundraising for the Breast Cancer Research Fund of Southampton Hospitals Charity. Ongoing research is vital to advance and improve care for patients. Part of the reason I was able to benefit from the excellent treatment I have received is because of previous research that has shown which treatments are best for different patients. 1 in 7 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, so this is likely to affect someone close to all of us at some stage. The aim of our fundraising is to help improve outcomes for those with breast cancer and enable them to go on to live long and fulfilling lives.

Thank you for your support.