I would do the Walk 100 challenge again in a heartbeat

Can you tell us about your diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on the 17 September 2025, aged 45.

I’d found a small bean-sized lump near my right nipple over the summer. I thought maybe it was something that had been there after breastfeeding.

I was a bit worried that the lump didn’t seem to move freely but I didn’t go to the GP straight away - family life and summer holidays got in the way.

I mentioned it to a friend and they said to book an urgent appointment the next day. The GP who examined me suspected it might be a cyst as it was near to the skin, but referred me to the breast clinic to be on the safe side.

I went to my clinic appointment 3 weeks later. After a mammogram, they asked me to have biopsies and ultrasound that day. I didn’t think anything of it and went back 3 weeks later fully expecting the results to be fine.

Instead, the consultant said: “yes, we think it’s a cyst, but we unfortunately found something else near your chest wall. It’s breast cancer. It’s small and should be treatable with surgery, radiotherapy and long-term hormone treatment. Of all the types this is the most responsive to treatment.”

How did you feel when you received your diagnosis?

I was absolutely devastated. I was so shellshocked that couldn’t process what they were saying to me at that appointment. Something about surgery and further tests, but I was just numb. My husband was also in shock, but he managed to take in more than I did.

I sobbed through the appointment, all the way home and for the next few days. All I could think about was my children, aged 5 and 8. Would I be around for them growing up? 

Where did you go for support?

I was trying to be so strong and brush it off, but deep down I was feeling absolutely frightened to death. I needed to ask so many questions and understand what was ahead.

Breast Cancer Now gave me a place to turn. Through their leaflets, live Facebook Q&As and their confidential helpline, their help transformed my ‘numbness’ into understanding.

The helpline especially was amazing in those early days. The nurses listened to me and pointed me towards so much helpful information. I will never forget Teresa, who was so kind and gave me space to cry. She offered support for my family, too.

How did you get involved in the Walk 100 Miles challenge?

At some point I came across Walk 100 Miles in October. Although I would be having surgery on 9 October, I knew the challenge would help me to distract myself and support my mental health. Normally I run and play netball, so I also wanted to keep as active as possible.

I wanted to raise awareness for others, but it was hard being so upfront on social media. Many just thought I was doing a fundraising challenge and didn’t realise I was going through breast cancer myself. But the support I had from friends, family, colleagues and the challenge community was unbelievable.

Some days it was hard to push myself to go and walk, but when feeling low it was exactly what I needed and so important for my wellbeing.

It was well worth it. In the end, I completed the 100-mile challenge and raised over £1,500.

What’s next for you?

I’ve had more surgery since then and still have radiotherapy to come, but I’ve learnt it hasn’t spread to my lymph nodes.

I’m still learning to deal with my diagnosis and to accept the unknown future ahead. But I would do the challenge again in a heartbeat.

Before, I knew nothing about the different types of breast cancer or the #wearitpink campaign. But the challenge community on Facebook gave so much support and inspiration from people either going through it themselves or whose loved ones had been affected. I was so proud to be part of it.

I’m keeping up the daily walks to support my mental health and recovery. I’m also planning for a half marathon and looking forward to doing more challenges in the future.

I will forever be grateful to Breast Cancer Now. Thanks to them, I always have somewhere to turn for support on this journey.