Just a few months ago my brother Cameron and sister in law Jess were discussing plans in the lead up to the birth of their second baby; a baby sister to our beautiful little Evie. When would Jess finish work, which room in the house will be the new baby's room and of course - what names have made the 'final list'. Jess was five months pregnant and 37 years old.

Jess was experiencing all of the normal symptoms of pregnancy including the change in her breasts however noticed something that looked and felt like a bruise which she didn't have the first time around. Jess spoke to a doctor at the hospital where she works as a nurse, and also mentioned a lump in her neck that she noticed a few weeks earlier. The doctor was concerned and referred her to go straight to an ultrasound, on the first scan it was evident that there was something wrong. Given Jess was five months pregnant at the time, she was rushed through to immediately to undergo a biopsy, and just a few days later it was confirmed that Jess had Inflammatory Breast Cancer. IBC is a rare type of Breast Cancer, due to it's nature - not a typical lump when it is discovered, it's often advanced and the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

One week after her diagnosis, Jess underwent a PET scan - a radiated scan of her entire body to see if the cancer had spread. The scan revealed that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes making it metastatic (secondary) as it is in another part of the body. Just a few weeks later Jess started chemotherapy and life for her, Cameron and Evie has changed forever. Healthy as she can be, Jess is progressing through her first round of chemotherapy and the baby is thriving, staying safely tucked in her mother's tummy hopefully for another few weeks before she comes earth side. (And yes, Jess was able to start chemo even though pregnant.)

My family's life has been changed forever in a number of weeks and this is just the start of a huge long battle ahead. We don't know what the future will hold but Jess is a fighter and not only has her own life to live for, but those of her two little girls.

In April, I will be running the London marathon, not only for my family but for everyone touched by this horrible disease. 1 in 7 women will be affected in their lifetime - chances are we will all know someone at some point also facing this inconceivable battle.

I encourage you if you can to please show your support for Breast Cancer Now - an amazing support and research charity. Breast Cancer now is funding cutting-edge research projects to help fight secondary breast cancer, develop better treatments, prevent and diagnose breast cancer early, and improve people’s quality of life.

With sincere thanks,

Kimberley