On Saturday, 8th March 2025, I will celebrate my 50th birthday—a significant milestone for anyone, but for me, it holds an even deeper meaning.

I don’t need any presents; I already have plenty of ‘stuff.’ The greatest gift I could ask for is simply being here to celebrate this milestone and helping other women reach their own milestone birthdays. At the end of 2022, I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)—a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that is often misdiagnosed and requires a unique approach to treatment.

Too many women lose their lives to IBC due to a lack of awareness. It is frequently mistaken for an infection or another condition, leading to delays in diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. This needs to change. Rare cancers like IBC often struggle to secure funding for essential research and awareness-raising initiatives, which is why I have chosen to support The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK rather than a general cancer charity.

Instead of gifts this year, I am asking friends and family to consider donating to this vital cause. The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK funds crucial research, raises awareness among healthcare professionals, and provides guidance for patients like me—empowering us to advocate for the care we need. Their work is truly lifesaving.

Every contribution, no matter how small, helps ensure that more people are diagnosed early and receive the appropriate treatment they deserve. If you can, please consider making a donation towards my target of £150. Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast, and completely secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving—they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity—making it the most efficient way to contribute while saving time and cutting costs for the charity.