Giving back and supporting cancer research

Each year, around 392k people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. On average someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer at least every 90 seconds. Unfortunately, cancer has the potential to touch every one of our lives.

As a team we have been inspired by our colleague Caroline's cancer journey and fundraising efforts. During the months of July and August we have decided to undertake a couple of challenges - some physical (7 hills of Edinburgh hike - c.15 miles and 2,200ft ascent/descent) and some focussed on quizzes and baked goods! We'll be providing further details as our planning progresses.

All funds raised will be passed across to Caroline who can add to her own fundraising efforts - which have already raised c.£14.5k!

A little bit more on Caroline's story below and the charities we are supporting:

In November 2022 I was diagnosed with Stage 3, Grade 3, Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). A rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes. It was a life changing moment for me and my family. At only 32 years old, and with no family history, it’s the last thing I expected to happen.

I had 8 months of treatment, including 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 17 rounds of immunotherapy, 15 rounds of radiotherapy alongside surgery and received the “all clear” in June 2023. Despite the difficult and intense treatment plan, knowing that it would all be worth it to be cancer free kept me going throughout.

Unfortunately 6 months later, I received the extremely difficult news that the cancer had returned in my bones and I was now classified as Stage 4. It has been hard to digest the news. It was never in the plan. I have had 3 further radiotherapy treatments and have been back on chemotherapy since March 2024.

I’ve had a huge amount of support throughout and would like to give back by raising much needed funds for three cancer charities, who have and continue to help me and my family. These charities include:

1. The Hummingbird Centre - a support and therapy centre near to where I live offering a wide range of services for those going through cancer and their family too. I visit this centre weekly either going to yoga/ meditation classes, having counselling or meeting up with others going through their own cancer journey. They have a children’s centre which is a huge comfort knowing my 3 year old daughter has support available as she needs it. The money raised will go directly to this children’s centre.

2. Breast Cancer Now - UK wide services supporting all women (and men) with breast cancer. This includes a huge amount of online information and support videos, a helpline and a programme to connect people with similar experiences together. They also fund world-class breast cancer research and played a pivotal role in new improvements for treatments for TNBC, as well as funding a number of TNBC research projects in the UK.

3. Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation - one of only a few TNBC focused charities, providing a credible source for triple negative breast cancer information, research and an active online community. I’ve connected to so many amazing women online who have supported and advocated for my treatment plan. The charity is also supporting the development of a potential TNBC vaccine which is in early stage trials in America.

I began a phased return to work in May 2024, a real shock to the system after 18 months off! It has been great getting some normality back and I have been overwhelmed by the support and good wishes from everyone. It means a huge amount knowing I have lots of people I can turn to when needed as my cancer journey continues.

All support is welcomed - thank you so much!