Hi everyone! This is a biggie for me so thank you for taking the time to read all the info below.

Here's my story about why I'm raising money to support the amazing work that Barnsley Hospital does in treating breast cancer.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on the 4th of January 2026, which was detected from a routine mammogram. Never in a million years did I imagine that I'd be sat in a consultant's office with him turning to me to say "...it's cancer". Shocked, upset, angry... I was well and truly thrust onto that emotional roller-coaster, very quickly learning how to adapt to the news and understand what happens next.

Breast cancer is very close to my heart, as my mum died of breast cancer when I was little. Back in the 1970s, there weren't the medical and technological advances that we can take advantage of today. I still miss her every day, albeit in snatches of memories. Unbelievably, in the blurb that I've been given to read about breast cancer (and there's been a lot!), only 1 in 10 diagnoses are due to a familial link. Still heart-breaking whatever the reason.

Since diagnosis, things have moved pretty quickly. A month to the day after being told, I was in surgery having a wide local excision to remove the cancer and surrounding tissue, along with a sentinel lymph nodes biopsy. And then back in surgery a week later. Next steps will involve oncology treatment.

From the very first appointments at the Barnsley Hospital breast care unit, the level of care and support I've received has been fantastic. So much so, it soon became clear to me that I had to do something to give back. Ironically (or fortuitously!), the key appeal that Barnsley Hospital Charity is supporting in 2025/26 is the Breast Care Appeal. So how could I not get involved!

From thinking about different ways to fund raise, one of my amazing friends suggested climbing Scafell in the Lake District—matching my cancer journey with a physical one... and knowing how much I love walking!?! So that's the plan: on July 4th, 2026.

Anything that you can donate will be massively appreciated! :)

Here's further information on the great work that Barnsley Hospital's Breast Care unit does: they are running an appeal to transform their environment to enhance patient care -

Our Breast Care Appeal will support a transformation of our dedicated Breast Unit where patients receive breast care. Patients are seen by our specialist doctors, nurses and radiology team for consultations, imaging assessments and biopsies. Around 7,381 patients are seen annually with various symptoms including breast lumps and nipple changes—this equates to around 142 patients per week! Of those patients, an average of around 250 breast cancer patients are treated annually.

Ongoing appointments such as those with Breast Care Nurses and doctors take place within this unit. We envision a healing space where sensitivity is at the heart of every detail—imagine stepping into a serene waiting area surrounded by calming scenes from nature! Comfortable seating will be arranged in small clusters creating a welcoming environment where patients can feel at ease even during their most vulnerable moments.

Thank you for making a difference! XX