Our Story

In November 2022 we received the shocking and life changing news that Gillian had secondary breast cancer. Treatable but incurable cancer. Where do you turn during a time like this. Well luckily for us we have fabulous family and friends and then alongside that she found Future Dreams, a charity who has as it’s mission that no one should have to face breast cancer alone or without hope. They fund vital secondary breast cancer research and promote breast health awareness.

Through Future Dreams she has been able to meet people in a similar situation and the emotional and psychological support has been invaluable. Not only do Future Dreams provide support with information from experts and clinicians but also host a range of workshops, meet-ups and community groups online and in person at the Future Dreams House in Kings Cross. Gillian is now a member of the choir, book club and the knitting group. It is vital to know you are not alone.

But let me come back to our fabulous family and friends! They have all seen how much Future Dreams has supported Gillian and want to give back. So in October six of us are taking on the Future Dreams South Downs Challenge. Our group includes Gillian, me, Finbar Deane-Stott, her son and 3 of my great friends Julie Skinner, Manda Livesey and Matt Livesey.

I have also had support through Future Dreams as they run a Supporters Meet Up Group for partners and family of those with breast cancer. It has helped me enormously to meet others that have wives, partners or children, in the same situation and to be able to share experiences, provide emotional support, coping strategies and exchange practical advice.

The Challenge – on Saturday, 5th October (which also happens to be our 18th anniversary!) we will walk 21km over the South Downs. It is described as a tough challenge due to the undulating terrain crossing the cliff tops of the Seven Sisters and finishing at Beachy Head. We started our training on Easter Sunday by undertaking an almost 11k walk so there is work to be done!! We will post updates as we go on. The 6 of us may not always be able to train together but we are committed to getting ourselves ready for the big day!

Future Dreams relies on the generosity of people like you so that they can continue to offer the critical services that they do. We need them to continue funding research into secondary breast cancer so there are more and more treatments for all the women in this situation. So please make a donation if you can, every donation will help Future Dreams. We really appreciate your support.