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I am 35 years old and originally from a small town near Glasgow called Milngavie. I moved to Edinburgh to study in 1986 and loved it so much I stayed. Recently I moved to a small village in the Scottish Borders to a house with a garden overlooking fields. I love life in Scotland and love nothing more than to go away ‘up north’ for the weekend on the bikes with friends. I also enjoy travel and have recently started to explore the rest of the world, however my garden is my sanctuary. I trained as a product designer and work for a company called Jupiter Play & Leisure, we are involved with designing, supplying and installing children’s playgrounds. I also do freelance design work for some private clients. Having lost my mother to breast cancer when she was 54 I was exposed to this at an early age. My sister then started to develop problems and her consultant advised I went for a check up also. To summarise after lots of tests, chemo and radiotherapy I have had a double mastectomy and two shiny new boobs. I was 27. I was also at risk of ovarian cancer, and after suffering years of complications, and with no children, I did much soul searching and finally I elected to have a full hysterectomy in the summer of 2004. Although all this has had a significant effect on me, I am still enjoying life to the full. I try to ride my bike regularly (summer only I admit, but then I have the Scottish weather to deal with!) I did have to stop during chemotherapy & radiotherapy as I kept falling off! I have been somewhat self-absorbed in recent years but have often thought about ways I could put something back into the care system that supported me. Then, after reading an article in the Edinburgh Evening News about the Changing Gears, charity ride, I was struck by how appropriate it could be for me to help raise awareness for young breast cancer sufferers. What better way to do this than on my motorcycle, one of my favourite pastimes? I had a good look at the Changing Gears and Lavender Trust web sites, and what struck me most about the previous Changing Gear rides is the camaraderie that there was between the women. What a unique event and I feel very privileged to have been selected to take part in it. Although I am extremely nervous about the ride I am also excited at the prospect of meeting and riding with the special women who have been through similar experiences to me. U.K. Donors: Click Here to Donate Now! Carolyn in the News "Biker Carolyn is Set for a Pillion Miles Journey"
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