When I was diagnosed everything stopped, but now I’m fundraising and making memories

I was diagnosed with grade 3, triple negative breast cancer at 31 years old.

I had 6 rounds of chemotherapy, a DIEP flap reconstruction and 3 weeks of radiotherapy. I then had lipofilling and nipple tattoos.

When I was diagnosed, everything stopped

I had to focus purely on treatment and getting better.

When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, you can feel like you’re on your own. Having people around you who understand and knowing where to turn for support is vital - like I could with Breast Cancer Now.

A few months after I was diagnosed, I met Deanne at a local support group

She had a primary breast cancer diagnosis and over the last 10 years, we’ve supported each other through the highs and lows.

My diagnosis made me realise I wanted to create a more peaceful, purposeful life for myself

I changed careers and now work as a registrar. In my role I see the full circle of life, which after a cancer diagnosis can play heavily on my mind.

Following my diagnosis, I wasn’t sure if I would ever have a family myself. But miraculously I fell pregnant, and together with my fiancé, we now have a very lively 6-year-old running around the house. We have also just added a gorgeous chunky springer spaniel puppy to the chaos!

I also work as a facilitator for Breast Cancer Now’s Moving Forward course

Moving Forward gives people the tools to adjust to life beyond primary breast cancer treatment. And the knowledge and experience I gained from my own diagnosis has helped me empathise with course participants. Deanne also volunteers on the course, so we’ve done a few together.

We like to fundraise for Breast Cancer Now every year. Knowing we’re giving back and helping others going through a breast cancer diagnosis is so important to us.

Deanne and I have held 6 Afternoon Teas

We love hosting Afternoon Teas and have lots of fond memories. We’re looking forward to getting tea number 7 booked in this summer.

Baking doesn’t come naturally to me, but as I get older, I really enjoy it, and I work hard at it. My signature dish is a lemon posset, but my first lot for Afternoon Tea stuck to the bottom of the pan – so I’ve learnt a lot since then!

We like the event to be a traditional Afternoon Tea

With sandwiches and scones. We use a vintage china set and we serve everyone for a suggested donation. No one ever under-donates, in fact people tend to donate more. To boost fundraising, we also have a raffle.

From my breast cancer experience I have learned the value of time

Afternoon Tea gives me the opportunity to celebrate with all the closest people in our lives. We share good food and drink and spend time together, making memories to cherish.

I’m very lucky to have supportive family and friends that have been there throughout my breast cancer journey and who remain by my side today. 

It also gives us the opportunity to raise awareness which is so important

Before my diagnosis, I didn’t know anything about breast cancer or family history, so over the last 10 years I’ve tried to pass on my knowledge and will continue to do so.