In September 2026, I’ll be taking on a five-day trek along the Great Wall of China 🇨🇳, alongside Giovanna Fletcher and other inspiring faces. It’s going to be tough, exhausting and completely out of my comfort zone, but it feels incredibly meaningful. A challenge that represents just how far I’ve come and why raising awareness for CoppaFeel! is so close to my heart.

As a therapeutic radiographer, I’ve spent my career caring for people with cancer, so I already knew a lot about breast cancer, what signs and symptoms to look out for and that it’s not just a disease that affects older people, Even with that knowledge, nothing truly prepares you for hearing the words: “It’s breast cancer.”

Everything changed for me on 24th October 2019, the day I went to the hospital looking for reassurance, but instead heard the words you dread most: “You have breast cancer.”

In that moment, time stood still. All I could think was, “I have three babies, I need to be here for them.” The world around me went silent and I remember feeling the shock physically for weeks afterwards.

They always say these things are sent to test us and whilst it’s not something you ever want to hear or go through, I truly believe it’s changed me for the better. It’s given me a new perspective on life, a deeper sense of gratitude and a drive to help others trust their instincts and check their bodies.

I was 36 years old, with three young children aged 3, 5, and 8, when I was diagnosed and it all happened during Covid, which made everything feel even more isolating and uncertain.

I had noticed something that didn’t feel right and although it would have been easy to put it down to something harmless, I listened to my body and sought medical advice. That instinct to trust myself and get checked made all the difference. You really do know your body best and if something doesn’t feel right, it’s so important to get it checked out.

What followed was a long and difficult journey. Chemotherapy, three surgeries, radiotherapy and Herceptin treatment, all while trying to be mum to three little ones during a global pandemic. There were incredibly hard days, but I was surrounded by the most amazing support network: my wonderful colleagues at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre and my incredible husband, family and friends, who lifted me up every step of the way.

My colleagues, especially the incredible breast team, have been so supportive and are just as passionate as I am about spreading this important message. They’re right behind me on this challenge, cheering me on every step of the way!

Looking back now, I know how crucial it was that I trusted my instincts. That’s why I feel so passionate about supporting CoppaFeel! They do incredible work to educate and empower young people to know their bodies, check themselves regularly and have the confidence to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

CoppaFeel!’s mission is simple but life-saving: to make sure young people know their bodies, check their chests and feel confident speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. Breast cancer doesn’t care about your age.

If sharing my story encourages even one person to check their chest, trust their instincts, or push for answers then it’s worth it.

So thank you, truly for being here, for reading and for supporting me on this journey.

Please check your boobs, pecs and chests and trust your gut.

Thanks so much for your donation and support. To find out more about CoppaFeel!, head to www.coppafeel.org�.