I’ve seen the difference staying active can make to wellbeing after a breast cancer diagnosis

What first motivated you to get involved?

Supporting Breast Cancer Now matters deeply to me. Through my volunteering, I see first-hand the personal and wider impact of breast cancer. Whether I’m delivering awareness sessions or supporting people through Moving Forward courses, I’m continually reminded how essential access to information, support, and research is.

A breast cancer diagnosis can feel incredibly isolating and overwhelming, even when you’re surrounded by others. And when treatment ends, many people describe it as feeling like they’ve “fallen off a cliff” while trying to return to everyday life.  That’s  why  I’m  so passionate about fundraising to sustain the vital services the charity provides.

Being involved allows me to play a small part in helping people feel less alone; empowering them with knowledge and guiding them towards the support they need.

How can sport raise awareness about breast health?

Partnerships like Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) are especially valuable because they introduce new audiences to the conversation. They make awareness more accessible and engaging, connecting people to the cause through something positive like sport. They also play an important role in fundraising, directly supporting the charity’s services and research.

A dedicated PWR weekend for Breast Cancer Now creates a strong sense of unity. It brings people together with a shared purpose—to raise awareness, show support, and make a difference. It’s a powerful reminder of how collective action, even over a short time, can have real impact.

I’d love to see high levels of engagement and a strong sense of community across all PWR locations. It would be great if people not only take part in the activities but also learn more about breast health and feel confident starting conversations. Ultimately, I hope it encourages ongoing support well beyond the weekend.

Tell us about the benefits of staying active

Physical activity plays an important role in reducing the risk of breast cancer, and I really value how events like these combine movement with purpose. They create a positive, inclusive space where people can challenge themselves, connect with others, and support an important cause. They also provide a natural, relaxed way to open up conversations about breast health.

Through my role on the fundraising committee and by delivering public health awareness sessions, I’ve been able to connect with a wide range of people and communities. It’s incredibly rewarding to know these conversations can raise awareness and potentially support earlier detection. Being a Moving Forward facilitator is especially meaningful, as it allows me to support people as they rebuild confidence and adjust to life after treatment.

Physical activity is a key part of the Moving Forward courses I deliver. We explore how staying active can support both physical recovery and emotional wellbeing, encouraging people to find movement that feels right for them at their own pace. Rebuilding confidence in your body is such an important—and empowering—part of that journey.

Staying active is also important to me personally. I’ve seen the difference it can make to both physical and mental wellbeing, particularly for people who have had a breast cancer diagnosis. For me, it’s about finding balance, building resilience, and feeling strong—both physically and emotionally.