This September, I’m swapping my compression socks for hiking boots (apparently trainers aren’t good enough) and heading out on a one-day trek through the Cotswolds all in the name of chest-checking and life-saving awareness! 26 bloody miles and to think only a few months ago, I struggled to walk to the bottom of my road. I’ll be joining the amazing Gi Fletcher and some other familiar faces for a day of fresh air, blisters and lots of glitter! And all with my best pal, Carly, who has always been by side for over 20 years. I can’t think of a better person to take on my next (literal) marathon with.

Why am I doing this? Because May 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer when my youngest baby daughter was only 7 months old. I had a lump that turned out to be a benign blocked duct from breastfeeding. They just so happened to find a whole load of other sh*t in there including 3 x tumours, 6cm of DCIS & lymph node involvement. I didn’t realise the mastitis, the discharge and the pain were all symptoms of breast cancer- I just presumed they were hormonal related or as a result of being a human cow. They were not. If I hadn’t had my nipple lump checked, it would’ve been a very different story!

Over the last 14 months, I’ve had a mastectomy, got a rock hard foob, had 16 rounds of chemo, endured 58 hours in the cold cap, had 15 rounds of radiotherapy, been thrown into medically induced menopause and am now having ongoing hormone & targeted therapy for the next 5-10 years. I want to make sure other young people catch it early and know how to check their boobs, tits, pecs and chests regularly. In particular, I want to raise awareness around pregnancy associated breast cancer- it’s not talked about enough because it’s very rare. 1 in every 1000 women are diagnosed in or around pregnancy every year in the UK! Know what’s normal for you and advocate yourself! Carly & I want to help CoppaFeel! shout this message from the Cotswold hills with as much glitter as ‘practical’ fashion will allow 🩷🩷www.coppafeel.org

We’re asking anyone that knows us to chuck in the price of a glass of fizz (£5). For all those glasses I haven’t managed to raise yet . . . And the fact I’m a cheap date these days with my tap water. Your pennies don’t just help us hit our target, it helps fund the incredible work CoppaFeel! does.

Cheers everyone!

Let’s do this 💪🩷

Anna & Carly #teambeast

#CheckYourChest #coppafeel