This is the reason why I'm raising money for Breast Cancer Now.

This is Mel's story - my brother's partner:

In April 2024, at the age of 36, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

Stage 2, Grade 3, HER2-negative breast cancer.

When you hear the word cancer, your whole world stops.

Then the panic sets in - How will I cope? how brutal will the treatment be? what about my son? what about my job?

Having lost my own mother to cancer when I was 6 years old, the fear of my son going through the same thing was terrifying. After several agonising weeks of tests and waiting, I finally felt some relief when I was told my cancer was very treatable.

I had a lumpectomy followed by Radiotherapy, which I completed in Aug 24.

I feel incredibly lucky that my cancer was caught early, meaning that my active treatment was swift.

However, a cancer diagnosis never really leaves you. Even though my main treatment is over, I still face ongoing scans, hospital appointments, and medication.

My path to healing and recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.

If the past 12 months has taught me anything, it's that cancer doesn't discriminate. It's can take any of us down at any time and early diagnosis is crucial.

The resources and support available from Breast Cancer Now is truly amazing.

This isn’t a club anyone chooses to join, but I can honestly say I’ve felt incredibly supported every step of the way.

I've seen firsthand the good work that charities such as this do, to support not only people in my position but their families as well.

Breast Cancer Now is a leading UK charity dedicated to changing the future of breast cancer. They fund vital research into prevention, early detection, treatment, and care, while also providing life-changing support and information for those affected by the disease. By combining world-class research with compassionate support services, Breast Cancer Now strives to make sure everyone diagnosed with breast cancer can live well and live longer, with a bold ambition that by 2050, everyone who develops the disease will survive.

While I’m not able to take on any challenges myself right now, I’m so grateful to know Sam, who is taking on this incredible challenge for such a wonderful cause. I hope you’ll join me in supporting him every step of the way.