I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in October 2003 at the age of 33. Like many others I thought that to have Breast Cancer you had to have a lump, how wrong I was!

I had a crease / pucker in my skin about an inch long just under my right breast. It wasn’t until I saw a programme on TV that said look out for creases or puckers in the skin. I then had a feel around in the shower and found a small lump, about the size of a pea. I went to my GP who referred me to a specialist the following week.

There I had a Mammogram, Ultrasound and Needle Biopsy, all of which showed that the lump was a Fibro Adenoma. However the surgeon wasn’t so happy with the crease and they took me in 3 days later to take out the lump and some of the tissue from the crease for testing. A week later I went back for the results and was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

That’s where the journey began! I went on to have further surgery to remove my Lymph Nodes, Chemotherapy for 6 months, followed by a Mastectomy and Reconstruction and now Tamoxifen for 5 years.

 The journey wasn’t helped by the fact that I have a major needle phobia! All my treatment was on the good old NHS and everyone involved in my treatment was excellent.

 The Amazon Heart Thunder Ride will be a great challenge for me as I have never ridden a Motorbike and don’t have my bike licence, however I am in the process of taking all the courses and have so far passed my CBT and am having lessons, so I know I have a busy few months ahead of me to get me ready for the ride in August.

I am looking forward to participating with all the other riders and raising awareness about Breast Cancer along the way.

 I would like to take the opportunity to say a ‘BIG THANK YOU’ to all my Family and Friends for the great support that they gave me through all of my treatment and beyond. Also the hospitals that were involved in making me better again – Stepping Hill Hospital, Christie Hospital and Wythenshawe Hospital and all the staff involved.

 Many thanks to anyone who is able to make a donation. Your donation to support my participation in Amazon Heart Thunder will help the thousands of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year access the support they need. Thank you for your generosity!