This October, I am taking on the challenge of walking 100 miles for Breast Cancer Now – a charity and cause that has become incredibly close to my heart.

In April 2025, my life changed forever.

I had never been someone who regularly checked my breasts. I didn’t find a lump. Instead, I had been experiencing discomfort in my armpit for around two weeks. After Googling the symptoms and finding many possible explanations, with cancer appearing to be unlikely, I decided to check my breasts properly.

I noticed a hard area, which felt a little like engorgement from breastfeeding, and when I lifted my arm, my nipple appeared inverted. Something didn’t feel right, so I made an appointment with my doctor.

I was sent for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. Initially, I was told it appeared to be early-stage and low-grade breast cancer.

But after having a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph nodes removed, the results told a very different story.

My cancer was Grade 3, Stage 3. It had spread to one of my lymph nodes and was larger than initially thought. The surgery had also not achieved clear margins.

Next came chemotherapy.

I had six intense sessions of chemotherapy, every three weeks. I lost my hair and experienced many difficult side effects, but as a mum of three young children, I tried to remain positive and carry on with life as normally as possible.

I finished chemotherapy at the end of September 2025, before undergoing further surgery in October to remove the remaining cancer and have a complete axillary node clearance.

In December, I completed nine days of radiotherapy and proudly rang the bell on 19th December.

But my journey didn’t end there.

Just days later, I faced another major health battle and underwent open-heart surgery in January 2026. I now have a mechanical heart valve and permanent pacemaker.

After everything my body has been through over the past year, including cancer treatment, major surgery and ongoing medication, walking 100 miles will be tougher for me than it might be for most. I struggle with joint and bone pain and find exercise difficult.

But that is exactly why I have chosen to do it.

A year ago, I could never have imagined everything that was ahead of me. Yet here I am, still standing, and ready to take on my next challenge.

Walk 100 Miles is more than just a challenge. It’s a movement for change. Every pound raised will help bring us one step closer to Breast Cancer Now’s vision that by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live – and live well.

I want to use this challenge not only to raise vital funds but also to raise awareness.

Please check your breasts. I never thought breast cancer would happen to me, and I never found a lump. Knowing what is normal for your body and getting anything unusual checked could make all the difference.

Breast Cancer Now provides vital support, information and funds life-changing research. I would have been lost without the support and resources available throughout my journey.

This October, every mile I walk will be for everyone affected by breast cancer – those currently going through treatment, those who have survived, those we have sadly lost, and the families standing beside them.

If you can donate, no matter how big or small, I would be incredibly grateful.

To many, 100 miles might just be a walk. To me, it represents everything I have overcome – and every step towards a better future for everyone affected by breast cancer.

Thank you so much for supporting me.

Together, let’s make every step count. 💗