Help Tania Face Chemo with Strength, Style & Support

Story

In January 2025, my wonderful friend Tania received the news no one wants to hear: she had breast cancer. She’s also a mum to three amazing kids – juggling surgeries, hospital stays and emotional exhaustion with school runs, packed lunches, birthday parties and bedtime cuddles. Through it all, she’s carried on with incredible strength, but now she needs a little support to get through what’s next. That’s why we’re asking for your help. Her journey so far: ♡ In March, Tania had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal. The first surgery went well and gave her a beautifully reconstructed breast, which she embraced with her usual humour and positivity. ♡ Sadly, scans had underestimated the size of the tumour and the margins weren’t clear, so she needed further surgery. ♡ On 30 June, Tania underwent a mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction – an intense operation using her own tummy tissue to rebuild her breast. It involved removing part of her rib to attach the blood vessels, and a second scar across her lower abdomen where the tissue was taken. ♡ On 3 July, she got home – only to be rushed back into hospital a week later with a serious infection in her tummy. Tania was placed in isolation and, over the course of that week, had three more surgeries to manage the infection and reopen the wound. ♡ Her tummy wound is now open and will take at least eight weeks to close. Tania has to travel back to East Grinstead every few days for specialist dressing changes. ♡ Once she's finished chemotherapy, Tania will need more surgery to refine the reconstruction, including her scar and nipple. What’s next? Tania is now preparing for chemotherapy. Her lymph nodes were thankfully clear – but the tumour was grade 3, meaning it’s fast-growing and aggressive. Chemo is essential to reduce the risk of recurrence. She plans to try cold capping to save her hair – a freezing process during chemo that might help reduce hair loss (but is notoriously unpleasant). If it doesn’t work, she’ll need to buy specialist wigs and head coverings so she can carry on with daily life – including being a mum, friend, and the brilliant, brave woman we all know and love. This fund will go toward: Specialist wigs and headwear Travel to and from treatment (including London and East Grinstead) Comfort and recovery items during chemo Everyday essentials and bills while she takes time off work to heal (she's only getting SSP!) Support for her children during this period Future surgery and recovery needs Tania gives so much to everyone around her. Now she needs a little love and support back. Please donate if you can – any amount will help take the pressure off. If you’re not in a position to give, a share would mean the world. With thanks and love ♡