My Tour de 4 Fundraiser for Make 2nds count UK

Hi so my story of stage 4 breast cancer started in 2008 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer and then following chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy given the all clear a year later . Then at the end of 2018 following a few months of back ache and spasms I was told it had spread extensively to my bones from top of vertebrae to my femurs. Since then, for the past 6 years, I've been navigating living with stage 4 breast cancer. Changing the way I do things to reduce back pain and although I'm very grateful to the medication as it is extending my life it does have many side effects. In 2019 I was advised to give up my job so since then I try to keep as active as possible with the constraints I have. My husband and I enjoy travelling with our caravan and spending time with our 3 children, their partners and 6 grandchildren. I have learnt to quilt and trained as a debt advisor with a local christian charity where I volunteer. I also volunteer at church and enjoy socialising with many friends and family.

Stage 4 cancer is incurable but with treatments we can live longer and better lives. It is estimated that 61,000 men and women are living with stage 4 breast cancer in the UK but yet 1 in 3 people have never heard of it.

The Tour de 4 is an initiative launched by Sir Chris Hoy to change the perception of people living with Stage 4 cancer. It will take place on 7th September 2025.

I was challenged by Sir Chris Hoy sharing his diagnosis and decided I would take part. I have not been on a bike for many years and certainly not up any hills so I am setting myself the difficult challenge to ride 37miles.

I am raising money for Make 2nds Count (M2C) whose mission is to give hope to everyone specifically affected by secondary (stage 4) breast cancer through support, education, resources, funding research and access to trials through their team of Clinical Trial Nurses. I have benefited from the resources available, yoga for those of us affected by this disease, social meetings with those also affected by stage 4 and due to the trial nurses I'm ready to consider a trial when my cancer progresses as it inevitably will but in the meantime I'm enjoying the life I have and very thankful.

Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate a lot or a little. Anything helps. Thank you so much for your support