Everyone who knows me knows that the most important things in my life are my family and my friends.

At the end of October and into November, our world was turned upside down by the devastating news that my best friend, Katie Breckin (KTB), was diagnosed with cancer at just 24 years old.

Me and Katie have been best friends for over 11 years. First meeting through football where we spent five years at Leeds United and five years at Bradford City together, becoming best friends both on and off the pitch. Over the years, our friendship has only grown stronger, and the same goes for our families, along with Bellerbys. We’ve shared a few lows, but so many incredible highs — memories I’ll treasure forever.

In October/November, Katie was diagnosed with cancer stage 3 melanoma which had spread to the lymph nodes in her neck. On Friday 28th November, she underwent a six-hour operation to remove it, including the removal of all the lymph nodes in her neck. Watching her have to go through this has crushed us all, and I’ve felt completely helpless at times, wishing there was more I could do for Katie and her family .

Anyone who knows Katie knows exactly the kind of person she is — hardworking, selfless, kind, smart, funny, and beautiful inside and out who always puts everyone else before herself. She gives so much of herself to everything she does and never asks for anything in return. What she is going through right now is something she, out of everyone, least deserves. Without a doubt, if the roles were reversed, Katie would be the first to show up, to help, and to put others before herself. Even in the middle of this, she has remained incredibly strong, positive, and in good spirits, constantly worrying more about those around her and how it’s effecting them than her own struggles. She hasn’t allowed this to change her heart or her spirits , continuing to stay selfless, determined, and full of light when so many would understand if she weren’t.

I’m a massive Rhinos fan, and I’ve always been inspired by Kevin Sinfield and everything he has done for his best friend Rob Burrow. Taking inspiration from Sir Kev, I’ve decided to do something — however small — to help. I’ve signed up to run the Leeds Half Marathon, alongside members of Katie’s family, to raise money and awareness in any way, shape, or form. Together we will do this for Katie and others.

This may seem crazy, especially given my own injuries — a fragile ankle, ongoing ligament damage, and years of playing football in pain. Throughout all of it, Katie has always been the one worrying about me and looking after me. While I may be in pain, it is nothing compared to what Katie — and everyone facing this diagnosis — goes through every day. If I can push myself to help in any way, I will. I will always put my body on the line for the people who matter most to me.

This is without doubt the toughest battle we’ve faced in all the years we’ve shared the pitch together, but I’m standing right beside Katie every step of the way. She has always been the one looking after everyone else, and now it’s my turn to be there for her. I’ll do whatever I can, in every way I can, to support Katie and others going through this, and make sure she never faces it alone.

Katie is not alone.

Any donation, no matter how small, truly means the world and will make a difference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read this, for your support, and for standing with Katie during this fight. 💛

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. But every day 12 more children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer. We’ll face it all together – but we can’t do it without you.

To find out more visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk