This September, I'll be taking on one of the biggest, most exciting challenges of my life. I have been given the opportunity to trek part of Great Wall of China over five days as part of CoppaTrek 2026, raising vital funds for CoppaFeel! and their life-saving mission to stamp out late diagnosis of breast cancer.

I'm doing this in memory of my gorgeous mum, Jackie.

Every single year I have wanted to do so much to raise awareness for breast cancer, not just the statistics, but the real, lived experiences behind them. The anxiety of undiagnosed symptoms, the fear families carry and the uncertainty for those who may carry the gene but are considered "too young" to be tested.

For women diagnosed over the age of 40, their immediate family members cannot be genetically tested until later in life, even though breast cancer below that age, whilst less common, is far from unheard of. Early diagnosis saves lives, yet so many people are left navigating worry, questions and waiting.

My mum (Jackie) was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer at 41 years old. I was four years old, and my brother Brad, eight. She was the life and soul of everyone who knew her, a smile that could light up a whole village, a laugh you couldn't ever forget, and dance moves guaranteed to clear a nightclub (unless she was the one being kicked out herself!!!!). She faced everything with humour, courage and a strength that still inspires me everyday.

She went to the doctors prior when she felt something wasn't right and was told "it's attached, but it's not moving." So basically it's nothing to worry about.

We don't know my mum's birth mother, or her medical history, this adds a layer of uncertainty for me. Because of her age at diagnosis, I can't be tested for the BRCA genes or receive certain scans/blood tests until I am at least 30. That fear is something that sits quietly with so many families, and it's exactly why awareness, education and trusting your body is so important.

Mum was often asked "How do you stay so positive?" Her answer would always be something along the lines of "If I was really negative and miserable, who would want to see me? And I still want to see everyone."

And this was her to a T!!! Such a kind, brave and above all hilarious woman. The love and positivity she gave at such difficult times ripples through our family, and the love she had for life, her friends and family has had the biggest and most lasting impact on mine, my brothers and dads life. I truly believe that where ever she went everyone who knew her, loved her and always has such fun-loving memories of her.

CoppaFeel! exist to make sure young people know their bodies, check their chests regularly, and feel confident enough to see their GP if something doesn't feel right, because early diagnosis saves lives!!!

I could talk about her forever, and taking on CoppaTrek 2026 feels like the most powerful and positive opportunity to share her story and help make a real difference.

Thank you so much for your support, every donation, share and message means so much more than I can say and I know she would be incredibly thankful and proud.

To find out more about CoppaFeel! head to www.coppafeel.org.