In December 2024, I found a lump.

Just like that, my world shifted. At 38, with three young children and no family history of breast cancer, I never thought it would be me. But it was.

The diagnosis was stage 0 high grade DCIS breast cancer. "Early stage," they said. "Caught in time." But there was so much of it scattered through my breast that in March 2025, I had a full left mastectomy and an 8.5-hour reconstruction using tissue from my stomach.

The recovery has been the hardest thing I've ever done - physically gruelling, emotionally exhausting, and utterly life-changing. There have been days I've felt broken. Days I've felt grateful. Days I've felt both at once.

But here's what I know for certain: I'm only here, whole and healing, because I checked my chest and acted quickly. Because my GP listened and referred me urgently. Because early detection gave me options, gave me hope, gave me my life back quickly.

That's why I'm running the London Marathon 2026 for CoppaFeel! - the only UK charity educating young people to know their bodies and check their chests regularly.

My running journey hasn't been plain sailing.

I only really started back after my kids in September 2024. I made it to 5k in Summer 2025 with Couch to 5k. I made it to 10k in October 2025 then had to stop everything for 6 weeks whilst I had my second reconstruction surgery. But I'll be back running in no time and I'm determined to run this iconic marathon almost a year to the day since my major surgery.

Breast cancer doesn't discriminate.

It doesn't care about your age, your gender, or whether it runs in your family. But when it's caught early, survival rates soar - and that's what CoppaFeel! fights for every single day.

They're in schools, universities, festivals, and all over social media - meeting young people where they are and making potentially life-saving conversations completely normal. They're teaching an entire generation that checking your chest isn't scary or awkward - it's powerful.

I'm aiming to raise £2,500 to fund their vital work. Every pound helps them reach more young people, spread more awareness, and ultimately save more lives.

Please donate if you can. Share this page. And most importantly - check your chest today

Run your hands over your breasts and underarms. Notice what's normal for you. If something changes, doesn't feel right, or worries you - go to your GP and don't leave until you're heard.

It's such a small thing. But it could save your life.

It saved mine.

About CoppaFeel!

CoppaFeel! are the UK's only youth-focused breast cancer awareness charity on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. They educate people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and empower them to check regularly, so if they notice something unusual, they have the confidence to contact their GP and advocate for themselves. When diagnosed early and accurately, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection truly saves lives.