This July is my Breast Cancer1 year anniversary and to honor the journey from diagnosis through to recovery and beyond I will be swimming 10 miles to raise money for Breast Cancer Now! 🏊

Every 10 mins a woman is diagnosed with BC and whilst I knew the statistics I couldn't imagine those words being directed at me, I'm too young, I've no family history, there were no symptoms.

At the age of 43 I was a long way off having a mammogram and it was only through the diagnosis of a good friend (and best boss) that I did a thorough self examination. On that examination I thought I felt a lump, but I put it down to being my imagination, lumpy breast tissue and unlikely, what are the chances. I left it a few weeks and did another self-examination and felt it again, this time asking my husband to check. He felt it too.

Grateful to a great NHS GP Service I was very quickly referred to Broomfield Breast Care Clinic for a mammogram (within 2 weeks) and they found something and biopsied....it still wasn't likely, they were optimistic. But then came the results....you have Breast Cancer. To say that the conversation will live with me forever is an understatement. The 'C' word is filled with fear, uncertainty and anxiety, the images that run through your head aren't pretty.

BUT....I was given a Breast Cancer Now Booklet, also had amazing private health care and whilst the journey was scary, fearful, sad and lonely at times, it was also brought with it many positives. I lent into every resource and support I could get my hands on to help navigate it with as much strength physically and mentally as possible. My husband, friends and family were an amazing support network, but it was Breast Cancer Now that provided me with endless information, a supportive 4 week course that helped navigate the journey and connection with 'Someone Like Me', an invaluable one to one relationship with someone who had walked in my shoes with a similar diagnosis and life stage (mother of a young child).

So now, one year on, surgery and treatment done and now continuing with medication (to hopefully ensure it never rears it's head again), I'm ready to give back to the organization that helped me and so many others. So please help me in raising funds for today and hope for the future with any donation small or large, every bit helps and thank you for your support.💗