Wendy Peek Helston, Cornwall United Kingdom Amazon Heart Thunder United States 2008, 2009 United Kingdom 2008 Australia 2009 Experienced Rider Click Here to Donate Now!

Hi! I’m Wendy, I’m 55 years old. Thank you for coming to read about my taking part in Amazon Heart Thunder in Australia in 2009.

I recently moved back to my home town in Cornwall, UK.  I have wanted to do this for some years, but one of the things that cancer teaches us is to follow our dreams, so here I am – job still to be arranged!  Amazon Heart Thunder is another dream fulfilment for me.  Following a pillion ride on holiday in Australia, I have watched large groups of motorcyclists ride past for many years, and always felt envious of the freedom and lifestyle.  I started learning to ride in 2001, and passed my test in 2004, immediately buying my silver Harley Davidson 883 Sportster Custom.  Having done the USA and UK rides in 2008, it now seems fitting to complete the treble in Australia, where this particular dream began.

I found my breast lump just after Christmas 2006.  It was a complete surprise, and my doctor and consultant both said that it didn’t feel suspicious, more like a cyst. Fortunately they were thorough, and two days later I had a full investigation and was diagnosed with breast cancer – the fluid had been hiding a small lump.  An operation the following week removed the lump and a few lymph nodes for testing – the nodes came back clear.  I thought that was it – all clear, get on with life.  Two weeks later I was advised to have chemo and radio therapy.  For me, this was the toughest point of the whole process.  I felt perfectly well, was sure I was OK, and was desperate not to lose my hair.  I said I’d think about it, but was sure I would refuse.

I spent 10 days talking to people – breast care nurses, Macmillan centre, HeadStrong, the oncology nurse where I would have treatment, and supportive friends – finding out exactly how treatment would be given, and how I might feel.  One of them showed me a book of photos of ladies with no hair – one on a large motorcycle looking great.   A good friend said ‘we’ve prayed you through so far, we can pray you through treatment’.  And so I went ahead, with therapy continuing until August 2007.  A HUGE thank you to everyone involved at Murrayfield and Clatterbridge hospitals, and to my network of faithful prayer warriors.

I am really enthusiastic to get out on the road again and join this group of special women who all want to show that having cancer doesn’t have to be the end of our dreams, or of anything we enjoy.  It is difficult to express the strength and encouragement we get from spending time with others who ‘have been there’. I also want to raise as much sponsorship as possible to make sure that facilities continue to be available for other women.

1 in 9 women in the UK are likely to receive a breast cancer diagnosis at some time – your gift will make a real difference to someone’s quality of life.  Thank you so much for any contribution you make.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.  Much love, Wendy xxx

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