During the summer holidays of 2024, my wonderful friend Kirstie was diagnosed with breast cancer.

It's been an emotional rollercoaster since hearing the words none of us ever wants to hear, but it's a testament to Kirstie's tenacious character and zest for life that she has approached it with courage, bravery and of course a laugh.

The fabulous people at Breast Cancer Now are working in labs across the UK and Ireland to create a world where the words "breast cancer" aren't met with fear. But world class research costs money, and that's why we have created this page. Making sure this vital work can carry on is crucial in making sure Kirstie, and other people in her shoes, can look forward to a bright future free from cancer, thanks to the incredible treatments being developed every single day.

Kirstie is one of over 55,000 people who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the UK alone. And whilst cutting edge treatments are becoming more and more available, chemotherapy is no walk in the park. It's physically and emotionally gruelling. As Kirstie's friends and loved ones we can be there and support, but we can't experience it ourselves. So I've found a small way to put myself through the wringer by signing up to the Great North Run for 2025. No excuses!

Not only that, but the lovely people at Rushby Dance and Fitness - where Kirstie and I do our much-loved Kettlebell classes - are in on the action and will also be fundraising in Kirstie's honour. Over the coming months we'll be casting our nets far and wide, so please do donate either by sponsoring me or taking part in a fundraiser with Beth, Clare and Chris at RDFC, and together we can be part of the next breakthrough in breast cancer research.

Here's what Kirstie had to say:

You can follow Kirstie's journey by following her Insta blog