On 11th May I will be running Leeds Half Marathon – this will be the furthest I have ever run (!!!) and I’m doing it to raise money for Shine Cancer Support – a small charity who do some brilliant work, helping young adults navigate the unique challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis at a young age.

Three years ago (although it feels much longer!) I was diagnosed with breast cancer – I was 26 at the time. While I was fortunate enough to be told that it was small and treatable, nothing can quite prepare you for how tough that treatment can be. Not just physically, but mentally too. Life around me kept moving – friends were travelling, moving house, getting new jobs – but my life was on pause. I could not have felt more loved by those around me. But it was also lonely. Grateful to be getting better, but still angry that it was happening. Angry with myself for being angry. It was a confusing time.

I didn’t know about Shine during my own treatment, which is exactly why I would like to raise awareness (and funds!) for what they do. They are the only charity in the UK who exclusively support people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who have had a cancer diagnosis — the charity is run by people who have had first hand experience of cancer, and who just get what it’s like to go through it in young adulthood. Whether it’s help with fertility worries, connecting with others in the same boat, or just finding someone who understands what chemo brain (yes, this is a thing!) feels like at work — Shine is there.

If you’re able to donate, share, or just give me some advice how to how to get through my interval runs without wanting to cry, it would really mean a lot!