In April 2026, I will be taking on the huge challenge of running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for a special cause.

I am raising funds for UHNM Charity in support of the Breast Care Unit at County Hospital. Its a department that is close to my heart. At County, there is a brand new Breast Care Unit being built, and to have the opportunity to raise funds and support this service is a privilege.

I am not athletic in any way. I have spent the most of the past 3 years resting or recovering and starting the training for this has been a lot. However, it is something that offers a challenge and the incentive for me is knowing that I can help in making a difference for the people who find themselves needing to utilise the Breast Care Unit moving forward.

My reason why - In February of 2022 I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, aged 34. Following on from this I received treatment in way of chemotherapy and underwent multiple surgeries. Mid way through I was found to be a BRCA gene carrier, which increases my risk of cancer. As part of the risk reducing management of this, I had a double mastectomy and removal of my ovaries and fallopian tubes, resulting in surgical menopause.

Whilst I was under the care of multiple departments within UHNM for my treatment and management, Breast Care have continued to be a fantastic support to me. My consultant and the team have been amazing; being with me at diagnosis, throughout treatment, giving me the news of 'all clear' and offering support regarding menopause management and surgical aftercare too. Mentally, the team have supported me in all of the above.

I began working for UHNM Charity at County Hospital on my return to work after cancer. I am in a privileged position to have first hand insight of how UHNM Charity makes a difference within our hospitals. To patients predominantly, but also to their family and loved ones as well as staff, UHNM changes areas for the better. When the opportunity to be part of Landmarks 2026 came up, I half jokingly said 'I'll do it'. Later googling how far a half marathon was I was a little dizzy and questioned my life choices! But I am a couple of months in to training and seeing improvement in myself and seeing the progression of the new unit daily gives me the encouragement I need, reminding myself this is for the benefit of so many.

For anybody reading this, I have documented my training and progress on my 'cancer journey' Instagram page, if you want to follow along - @ broken.boobs_to_forever.foobs

Thank you so much in advance for donating whatever you can, it really will make a massive difference.