Prevent breast cancer (nightingale centre wythenshawe)

Hi everyone. As some of you may be aware, I was diagnosed with the BRCA1 gene mutation. I underwent testing after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. Receiving this diagnosis was a shock, and I was initially unsure about the next steps. For many years, I attended annual MRIs at Wythenshawe Hospital. As I got older, I began to panic and felt like a ticking time bomb.

I was given the option to have a double mastectomy, but the thought of this procedure was both scary and daunting, compounded by my intense fear of general anesthesia. However, the thought of leaving my two beautiful boys without a mother was even more terrifying. With an 85% risk of developing breast cancer, I decided that the preventative surgery was necessary. In October 2023, I faced my fears and underwent the procedure. It was the scariest day of my life to date, but I did it. Despite a challenging recovery with complications, I can now live my life as a mother without the overwhelming weight of that risk hanging over me.

Due to the BRCA1 gene, I will need to have my ovaries removed in the next few years, as this gene also significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Throughout this journey, the team and staff involved in my care have been absolutely amazing. From the receptionists at the Nightingale Centre to the consultants, they have supported me every step of the way, especially during the difficult times, such as last Christmas when I was at an all-time low.

I am deeply grateful for the incredible care I received, and I want to give back to these wonderful people and the Prevent Breast Cancer charity. Their work is vital in preventing this awful disease and saving the lives of many more men and women for generations to come. To support this amazing charity, I will be climbing Ben Nevis at the end of August. Following that, I will walk 11 miles from my home to the Nightingale Centre to present them with the donation.

If you can contribute anything, even just £1, I would be immensely grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your support.