Since being diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma for the second time, I needed to find a way to turn what has been an extremely challenging few months in to something worthwhile and use my experience to make a positive impact. This is why, on the 10th of October, I am walking 52 miles (TWO marathons..yikeeeeees!) to raise awareness & money for SKCIN.

I was first diagnosed with Skin Cancer in 2017 whilst living in Shanghai. I actually noticed the cancerous mark on the side of my nose two years prior, however, I didn't get it checked because I always thought Skin Cancer came in the form of a mole. It wasn't until the mark started to bleed, that I panicked.

When I began my treatment in Shanghai, I noticed another mark on the top of my forehead. My dermatologist at the time told me it wasn't anything to worry about but fast forward another 2 years and I was sat in the operating theatre having part of my hair cut off and a chunk of skin removed from my face. My current dermatologist, who is absolutely incredible (but brutally honest), told me how shocked he was at the size of the tumour for someone of my age, and that I need to see a dermatologist every 3 months for full body checks for the rest of my life. Not only that, it's almost certain I will have Skin Cancer again. 

This information was hard to hear, it triggered an overwhelming health anxiety that I am only just learning how to deal with. I became an emotional wreck, I wasn't sleeping and generally felt like such a sad, negative person to be around. I lost all sense of the strong, happy and upbeat character that I have always been, who could take on anything that was thrown at her. 

I woke up one morning a few weeks ago and knew that I had to get a grip of the situation. I guess there are some things in life we have no control over and we can either let them define us or we can find the opportunity to do something great. Which is why I have decided to take on this challenge.

I know 2020 has been financially tough on a lot of us, but if you can just spare £1 or a share on social, I will be eternally grateful for your generosity and support.

1 in 54 people are diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime - yet 86% of all skin cancer cases are preventable and ignorance regarding how to spot the early signs remains widespread. I am raising money for, Skcin who are completely dedicated to providing free national educational programmes and resources that raise awareness of the importance of sun safety to prevent skin cancer and how to detect the early signs and symptoms, to improve prognosis and save lives. 

Please help raise funds for this very worthy cause - together we can make a difference and save lives xxxxxxx