I was 45 years old in January 2023 when I found a lump on my chest and was diagnosed with grade 3 ER/PR-, HER2+ invasive ductal carcinoma - breast cancer. Those who know me will not be surprised to learn that, as far as possible, I was determined to carry on with life as ‘normal’. I’m convinced that staying as active as my treatment allowed (big thank you to Welcome Gym - Chesham) not only benefitted my mental and physical health but also contributed to the efficacy of the treatments and helped to managed the side effects. I finished eight rounds of chemotherapy in July 2023, had surgery in August and radiotherapy in October. I’m in active treatment until May 2024 and will then wonder what to do every three weeks as I’ve been going to hospital atleast that often since Jan 2023!

Since receiving my invite to what many title ‘the club nobody wants to join’, I’ve met some incredible people who have become firm friends. I started treatment very much doubtful of my own courage and mental strength. I’ve learnt a lot about perspective, humanity, kindness and resilience and actually found quite a few things to have a laugh about along the way. I’d be lying if I said there haven’t been any downs and this is where my fundraising aspirations have been borne from.

I’m lucky with my treatment – it’s going as originally planned and I don’t at the moment feel I need any additional support or counselling. I have my husband Hamish, my children, my sister Ushma and my best friend Nicola with me to share the many ups and downs. These guys really have fought my battle with me and I can’t thank them enough. Everyone isn’t as fortunate and some may need extra support despite help from friends and family. It is this thought that sparked my desire to raise funds for a very worthy charity.

Future Dream House is the only dedicated Breast Cancer support centre in the UK. Based in London, the centre offers a wide range of in-person and online services. The charity provides practical, emotional and psychological support for those diagnosed with breast cancer, funds vital secondary breast cancer research, and promotes breast health awareness.

Over 50,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year, the equivalent of one person every 10 minutes according to Breast Cancer Care.

To date Future Dreams has raised over £5m pledging funds towards the charities three aims - support, awareness and research, focusing on secondary breast cancer.

I will be taking part in the Thames Trek Challenge – walking 25km over 16 of London’s historic bridges on Saturday 14th September 2024 to fundraise in aid of FUTURE DREAMS (Registered charity in England and Wales No. 1123526)

Please give what you can.

Thank you.