Once upon a time, a few years ago when I was 42, I was diagnosed with Stage 1, Grade 2 ER+ Breast Cancer. Not one tumour, but three...It was a bloody shock as you can imagine. I was looked after immediately and thoroughly by the NHS. Following a couple of surgeries, a mastectomy and reconstruction, plus very longterm medication to prevent a reccurence, I was told I had a good chance of longevity. Brilliant, all done and dusted.

It wasn't though. The other part to the story, is the unseen....the anxiety, fear, loneliness, depression, sleepless nights, emotions and of course the visible and physical impact of breast removal surgery. I was lucky that I had wonderful, supportive family and friends (inparticularly, my ever-patient, solid as a rock husband, Simon), plus a caring, supportive employer and brilliant colleagues. Yet I still needed more help. Fortunately I was put in touch with Breast Cancer Now. A charity that was started 50 years ago by Betty Westgate to support women (although they also support many men) through their breast cancer journey. They connected me with younger women like me that I could chat online with at any time day or night, was invited to groups and events to help me with the longer term aspects, wellbeing, diet, excercise, body image, mental health. Whatever your experiences are with them, I can only applaud the NHS for their care and I also applaud Breast Cancer Now for preventing me from going down a horrible wormhole.

The day I got my 'one year, all clear', we learned that my stepson's Mum, Emma had also been diagnosed. Tragically, Emma lost her battle (the second in three years) in August 2020. She was only 47.

So, I count my blessings that I am here at 50, and to celebrate I am raising much needed funds for BCN to say thank you and to provide support for the thousands of women and men who will rely on their care and services in the future.

Karen's Breast Fest is taking place on May 18th at The Foresters Arms in Honley. A family-friendly mini festival with beers, bangers, burgers and bands. There will be raffle prizes and 'booby' prizes.

I am also raffling off my middle name . I don't have one at the moment, my Dad always said they couldn't afford one when I was born....🙄. I'll be changing it by deed poll and passport and driving licence so it will be mine forever 😬.

For just £10 You get 5 chances to give me a middle name. More details to follow on the socials. Alternatively, if you would like to donate in someone's memory or to support the cause, you can do so via this site.

FACT: Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the UK with 1 woman diagnosed every 10 minutes.