September 2023 marks 1 year since I finished treatment for Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

I had 9 months of treatment, with 6 months of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery & then radiotherapy. I had many complications including sepsis, blood clots & was allergic to my chemotherapy & commenced on steroid treatment. It was without a doubt the toughest year of my life to date. It was also the most awful year for my 3 boys.

Last September I couldn't imagine what recovery looked like and here I am one year later hoping to complete a night hike of Donard! I feel so lucky. Some of those I met along my treatment journey are no longer here - so I'm hiking to honour their fight, celebrate my remission & give hope to anyone beginning their cancer journey.

I joined Lagan Dragons to help with my recovery, physically & emotionally. I'll never forget the 1st time I paddled & coming off the water just sobbing! I suppose being surrounded by so many breast cancer survivors & their loved ones, I just felt so moved. I'm raising money for Lagan Dragons because they offer hope & healing to breast cancer patients, survivors & their families/ friends & it's a hope I didn't know I needed.

Please consider a donation to support Lagan Dragons. All monies received go directly to Lagan Dragons through this justgiving page.

I am blessed to be joined on this hike by my Belfast Angels Softball Club family & our baseball players from Belfast Northstars & Belfast Buccaneers who form our Ulster Baseball & Softball Club. My oldest son who plays on both the Angels & Stars team will lead our way.

If you'd like to hike with us, drop me a message below & you will be most welcome! The cost to hike Slieve Donard with me on Saturday 23rd September is £35 to Geology Rocks & I'm asking each hiker to commit to raising £100 for Lagan Dragons through justgiving.

If you cannot hike or donate, I will appreciate your well wishes & positive vibes (if you could pray for no rain too that would be good 😉)!

Much love always,

LDR