Thanks for taking time to visit my Just Giving Page. I‘m not one for posting personal information and I’ve never raised money for charity before, but this is a very important cause to me,

I’m asking for your support to help me raise funds for the Kent-based Team Phoenix Foundation charity, which support women, who are breast cancer survivors, by using sport to rebuild strength, confidence, and well-being, ultimately transforming participants into triathletes known as “Firebirds”!

Every donation, no matter the amount, will contribute significantly to funding my training and helping to support this life changing programme for next year’s team of remarkable women as they rebuild their lives after cancer through this inspiring challenge.

THE CHALLENGE: I'VE EMBARKED ON A JOURNEY TO BECOME A TRIATHLETE!!

On 27th September 2025 I'm going to be taking part in my first Triathlon at Hever Castle with the incredible support of the Team Pheonix Foundation. It involves a 400 metre open water swim, 20km cycle ride and 4km run.

I never imagined I could participate in a triathlon – I’m training up to four times/week, it’s tough and a huge challenge that demands all my strength, courage and determination, but I love being part of this team. I am becoming stronger and healthier with each training session.

We have exceptional support from our coaches/mentors and volunteers, they are extremely skilled, dedicated and give up so much of their time and energy and the most important thing, they make us believe in ourselves!!

I’m extremely proud to be part of this journey along with the other women I am training with, each and every one of them are incredible and are amazing pillars of support. When we cross that line together, there will be every emotion going, tears of joy, laughter and happiness that we achieved such a mammoth challenge.

WHY YOU MIGHT ASK?

In July 2023 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I noticed a painful and unusual puckering on my left breast. A GP appointment led to a quick referral to the Breast Clinic. I attended alone, not expecting it be cancer, I did not have a family history of the disease, or other high risk factors.

After a breast exam and mammogram, I anxiously waited in the corridor for results. Following an ultrasound and biopsies, I was told the diagnosis - news no one wants to hear. I tried to remain strong despite feeling my world collapse inside.

I drove home anxious about the future and telling my husband, children, family, and friends. While I assured them everything would be fine, I was uncertain about what lay ahead.

My treatment started with surgery, which fortunately showed no further spread. I was so grateful I didn’t need chemotherapy and I had caught the cancer early. Radiotherapy followed, which was daunting, I had to remain still for long periods while beams targeted any remaining cancer cells. Despite my efforts, the experience largely dominated my life, and it was tough.

Recovery from surgery and radiotherapy was challenging but manageable. However, regaining a sense of well-being has been a long road, and I felt I had lost my sparkle and previous happy go lucky self. Hormone therapy to lower my cancer recurrence risk had significant effects on my physical and mental health. Earlier this year, the symptoms became severe that I questioned whether I could keep working, as I no longer felt like myself and was struggling.

DISCOVERING TEAM PHEONIX

Then I discovered the brilliant Team Phoenix Foundation, a breast cancer survivorship programme offering 12 weeks of triathlon training to support mind, body, and soul. Although I was very interested, I doubted my ability since I often lacked energy, but I mustered up the courage and decided to attend the introduction meeting and learn more about the programme.

The meeting was highly motivating, and hearing the presentations from last year's Team Phoenix participants was particularly moving. Their stories inspired me to believe that if they could complete a triathlon, I could as well. I have always loved a challenge, so I signed up immediately, and I can confidently say it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

I began training in May 2025 with 10 other remarkable women, we are called “TP25”. The supportive coaches are brilliant, and truly believe in us. I’ve formed strong friendships which I’m sure will last a life time. I feel like something good has come out of this experience, it’s helping me feel like me again, I’m growing my wings, and I feel the best I’ve felt in a very long time. This is why I am asking for your kind support to help me raise funds for the incredible Team Pheonix Foundation and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.