I'm taking part in the Walk of Life 2024 to support the RUH Bath. My team ‘The Grover’s’ consists of a group of my wonderful colleagues from The Grove Primary School where I have worked for many years including those when I was diagnosed. The team are Marie, Sian, Kirsty, Laura H, Laura R, Cathy, Niki, Chloe, Gemma, Masireh, Kate and Helen together we hope to raise valuable funds for The Breast Unit at the Royal United Hospital.

My Story

July 2004 I heard the words everyone fears, ‘I’m sorry but you have cancer’. As silent tears fell my mind raced, he’s wrong, I’m too young, I run and play netball, I don’t smoke, I don’t drink. How can I tell my children? My family? Friends it just felt so surreal. The breast nurse took my hand and gave me a tissue and assured me she was there to help. That’s when my cancer journey began and right from the beginning the wonderful staff at the RUH supported me through the good and bad days. Nothing was too much trouble and due to my age my care and treatment lasted 10 years and not once did the care I received falter.

I wasn’t going to let cancer beat me so I registered for The Bath Half 2005 raising money for Dorothy House.

To mark my 10 year anniversary I took part in The Cow Parsley Ladies nights raising money for Dorothy House and Breast Cancer Care. Here I met a group of the most wonderful ladies and we called ourselves the ‘Bosom Buddies’ all survivors with different stories to tell but now friends forever.

So here I am 20 years on and walking 10 miles to raise money for the hospital that gave me the chance to see my children grow up and to welcome my wonderful grandchildren. I am forever grateful for these wonderful years.

We as a team are doing this not just for me but for our families and friends. For those we know that are fighting cancer, have survived cancer and sadly in memory of those who have lost their battles.

We are aware that times are very difficult and appreciate every donation that is made no matter how much it is every penny counts.

Together, the funds we help raise will make a real life impact. Every penny goes towards helping care for patients at the hospital and providing state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for loved ones. With your help, we can make our care extra extraordinary for every patient, and support our hospital staff to do what they do best.