Sally Baker Beckenham, Kent United Kingdom Amazon Heart Thunder U.K. 2007 Experienced Rider   Click Here to Donate Now!

Hi. I’m Sally, I’m 43, and work for the Home Office. I live with Phil, my lovely and supportive biker husband and all round rock. I’ve often heard cancer being described as a journey some of us have to make; mine has been quite a long road so far, but is one that will hopefully continue for quite some time yet. It all started in April 1999 when I was 35. I was doing my usual monthly checks and to my surprise found a lump. Thinking that most lumps are benign and usually something else, I went to my GP, who referred me to the breast clinic. Two weeks later I was given the news that I had cancer. I have subsequently had 3 local recurrences, surgery, chemo, radio, hormone treatment…you name it! Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with secondary bone cancer last May. I had intended to apply for last year’s ride, but was unable to do so due to treatment, however, this has now finished, so I’m raring to go on this year’s ride.

I’ve been riding bikes off and on for about 11 years, mainly customs. We finally achieved a long held ambition to own a Harley in 2003 when we got a Sportster. I had to stop riding for a while due to treatment, so Phil replaced the Sportster with a Dyna Low Rider. However, as soon as I was fit enough to move from the pillion back to the front end, I was fortunate enough to get another Sportster. As well as riding, I’m a competitive ballroom dancer, and can often be found with my head in a book, especially if it’s Terry Pratchett or Tom Holt.

I sincerely hope that by participating in this ride, we can raise awareness of this disease, particularly amongst younger women and prove that life does go on after a diagnosis of cancer – people often assume that cancer means your life is over, when in many cases this is so far from the truth. The physical and emotional effects of treatment can often mean that the joy goes out of life. The fact that my cancer has returned has made me all the more determined to show that life can and does return to normal and is most definitely for living.

I’ve also benefited hugely from the skills and kindness of the people who have treated and helped me over the last few years, particularly at the Chartwell Unit at the Princess Royal University Hospital; now it’s time to give something back.

My thanks and gratitude to anyone who is able to make a donation.

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