Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

4 years ago, my mum was diagnosed with womb cancer. I knew nothing of this cancer and how devastating it can be with recurrence. After years of fighting, this amazing woman lost her battle with cancer in July 2023.

After she passed we found out that my mum carried the BRCA1 mutation. For anyone that doesn’t know (like myself back then), everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and these are known as tumour suppressor genes as they play a role in protecting us from cancer. However if they are faulty, these genes can increase the chance of getting either/both breast and/or ovarian cancer in a lifetime - breast risk rises from 12.5% (general population) to 80% and ovarian risk 2% (general population) to 40%. Currently little is known if the BRCA gene increases the risk of womb cancer.

In October 2023 I found out that I also carry this BRCA1 mutation.

Through my research I have found so many great charities that help with the knowledge about the BRCA mutation and breast, womb and ovarian cancers and one of these is The Eve Appeal. They do amazing work in funding research and raising awareness of the 5 gynaecological cancers (womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal). They also offer an ‘Ask Eve’ service where you can speak to the most wonderfully helpful nurses and ask anything to put your mind at ease.

As a woman I was very unaware of these cancers and the signs and symptoms as these are not talked about very often and can be rather a taboo subject. The signs and symptoms of all the 5 gynaecological cancers can easily go unnoticed as they are often the same as less serious conditions. Womb and ovarian cancers have little to no surveillance options, so knowing and understanding the signs and symptoms can possibly save a life, and treatment can start earlier.

So I have decided to do my small part in helping The Eve Appeal and raise money to help them continue their research and raise awareness for these cancers by attempting The Eve Appeal’s September 10,000 a day Step Challenge. For all that know me, I hate exercise and as an office worker I barely reach 3k steps a day! So this is a BIG challenge for me.

I do this for my amazing mum, who I miss so much every day! For all that have been affected by these cancers and for all out there, like me, going through their BRCA+ journey! In the hope that even the smallest donations will make a bigger difference in the future of developing risk predication, earlier detection and screening for all these cancers.

Anything you can donate to help this amazing charity would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!