Hi,

I am Janine, a 35 year old single mum, with a beautiful 10 year old daughter Niamh.

On Wednesday 17th May, my world was literally turned upside down in a way my family and I could never be prepared for. I was told I had Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 2 blood cancer.

How? Why? Why me? A few of many questions I couldn't stop running through my mind over and over again.

Nothing prepares you for this devastating news, and I mean nothing. All the messages, hugs, support in the world, and nothing can prepare you.

I am going to fight this, and I am determined to beat it, as I have no other option, my daughter and my family need me too.

I have no control over my body anymore, as I start my chemotherapy today. But the one thing I can control, is how and when I lose my hair. I have decided to Brave the Shave on Monday 12th June, and donate my hair to the Little Princess Trust, where they make wigs for children who have hair loss from cancer or alopecia. I am also going to raise vital funds for a local organisation, Ayrshire Cancer Support who provide a variety of support, including emotional, practical, financial support for individuals like myself and our families throughout the battles we face.

The next 6 months will be a battle, but it's one I'm going to win!

Thanks for reading, and please support me in turning this negative into a positive.