I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, and used it as motivation to fundraise

In 2017, my life changed completely when I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer.

It came as a total surprise. I didn’t have any family history, and I’d always been fit and healthy, regularly going to the gym and playing hockey. But despite all of that, I found myself facing a reality I never expected.

They always say never to google after a diagnosis, but you do. Having the Breast Cancer Now website was a huge help, as it had everything I needed and was accurate.

I went through 2 surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and then started tamoxifen. It was a tough time, but with the support of my family and friends I made it through.

I was determined to keep moving forward

Once my treatment ended, I wanted to do something to celebrate. So my group of friends took part in a 1,000-mile bike ride fundraiser and also did muddy runs together to keep the momentum going and raise more money. It felt incredible to turn something so difficult into something positive.

In 2024 everything changed

One of my closest friends, Debbie, who I met at the school gates and was a huge support to me, was diagnosed with grade 3 triple negative breast cancer.

Her kids are the same age as mine, so it hit me hard.

I knew right away I needed to be there for her, just as she had been there for me

I wanted to support her and especially the kids. I wanted to step up for her, as I knew what it was like to be in the depths of chemotherapy and needing support.

Debbie had seen the Afternoon Tea fundraiser being advertised, so we decided to sign up and raise money for Breast Cancer Now. We wanted to do something for a charity that we’ve relied on and use it as a distraction.

We could put a positive spin on what was wasn’t a very nice time for both our families

The event really gave us all something to focus on, even the kids had jobs to do.

I also love baking. It’s a really good outlet for me and I like making people happy through cake – no one’s ever sad about cake. I’ve actually baked Debbie’s daughter a birthday cake before.

Just as Debbie started her chemotherapy and immunotherapy, I noticed an enlarged lymph node in my armpit

I eventually got a referral to the breast clinic, and after some scans and biopsies, I was told that I had secondary breast cancer. The cancer had spread to my lungs.

It was devastating news, but I didn’t want to let it stop me

I pulled on my ‘positive pants’ – yes, my friends actually bought me a pair of these. And I made a promise to myself that I would still make the Afternoon Tea a huge success, no matter what.

I started an event on Facebook for the Afternoon Tea to help promote it, and as soon as we added our personal stories, the event just grew. Lots of people wanted to support the tea and we had lots of donations, including cake.

I created a JustGiving page and set the target to raise £500, but secretly I hoped we’d get to £1,000.

It was an incredible day, filled with love, laughter and so much support from everyone

With the help of our amazing family and friends, the event was a massive success. We sold tea, coffee, cakes and played games. With the help of another school mum, we ran a raffle which was a huge hit!

In the end, we raised over £12,000 which completely knocked me off my feet. I don’t think I could pick just one highlight from the day, it was just amazing to see so many people supporting such a good cause.

Despite the challenges we’ve faced, it was a reminder that we can always find strength in each other. And I’ll keep fighting, just as I always have.

After our event, I attended an event specifically for younger women with secondary breast cancer

Breast Cancer Now’s Younger Women Together event was incredibly helpful – it gave me a space to connect with other women going through similar experiences and provided so much support.

It was reassuring to know I wasn’t alone, and I learned a lot from others who had been navigating this journey longer than I had.

Knowing the money we raised supports Breast Cancer Now to put on event like this is amazing, as they’re so needed and truly invaluable.