Signing up to Race To The Stones a couple of years ago seemed like a great idea. Note I say a ‘couple of years ago’. Yep, I’ve delayed ‘racing’ due to a long-term injury and now, fixed but with numerous aches and pains (perhaps it’s my age!) and a lot less training miles under my belt than perhaps one should have when attempting a 100K trail event, it’s now or never!

It seems opportune I try and raise a few pennies for charity. So, inspired by and in support of a very good friend, Gem, I’ll do what she’s done every day since being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2019, aged just 36 – put one foot in front of the other, and keep going.

I’ve chosen to fundraise for Aurora Breast Cancer Well-Being and Aurora Gems – the latter set up in association with Gem, in her name. Gem’s positivity, courage and grace in living with her diagnosis have seen her throw herself into charity events; bravely sharing her story to raise awareness and support of the secondary breast cancer community. Helping others to find a way to live well with cancer.

Aurora – a registered charity founded by Gem’s breast surgeon, Anushka and breast cancer specialist nurse, Charlayne – offers support to young, premenopausal women affected by breast cancer in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. The charity helps fund essential support services, like counselling and psychotherapy sessions, and emotional and practical support such as therapies, coffee mornings, walks, retreats and holistic therapies. In a conversation with Anushka and Charlayne, Gem explained that for someone living with cancer, it isn’t about focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel but more finding the light to bring into the tunnel. And so, Aurora Gems was born! A dedicated part of the Aurora charity, providing support to young/premenopausal women living with secondary breast cancer.

Both Aurora and Aurora Gems are committed to ensuring that no one should face breast cancer alone, and by creating positive networks of ladies who understand what each other are going through, there’s a sense of community and empowerment where and when people need it the most.

Since Gem’s diagnosis, life looks a little different. Don’t sweat the small stuff, make sure you live life with your eyes wide open and do something every day that brings you joy. We can all do this. And we should.

On diagnosis, Gem was given a life expectancy of four years. This year, Gem’s chosen to celebrate a milestone exceeding five years living with secondary breast cancer. So, Gem, here’s to you, your passion for life and your ability to show many people that there’s light to be found in the darkness.

Thanks for taking a moment to read my page and for any donation you’re able to make in support of Gem and those living with secondary breast cancer.

Ricey

PS. As Gem would say, check your chests and know your normal; and live a life full of doing the things you love!