It was over two years ago that the concept of 'cancer' and later 'stage 4' slammed into my care free existence. Immediately my mind raced to the things I had read, and the images that I had seen of late stage cancer patients: endless days of sickness, the monotonous hospital visits, pain, suffering and eventual death. The fear of what was to come was overwhelming. I've slowly learned that, although there are certainly elements of this - hours of hospital administration, traumatic surgeries, days when sickness and energy depletion literally stop you in your tracks, or when anxiety and uncertainty consume every waking moment- there is also a vibrancy to life, a curiosity, and appreciation that comes from really knowing that your days on this planet are finite. It's been, and continues to be a full and rich journey. In illness, I've experienced an incredible depth of love and support from my community. I've had some of the most profound experiences of my life: sometimes in the smallest moments (stroking my sister's hair whilst we lay in bed together) and sometimes in moments of sheer joy and connection (a colourful and chaotic handfasting ceremony with my lovely partner Jack, created by our housemates and families at our farm in between treatments). I have a stage 4 diagnosis but it does not define me.

On September 15th Jack and I will be taking part in Tour de 4 2026, the cycling event launched by Sir Chris Hoy following his Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. It brings together people living with Stage 4 cancer, alongside friends, families and supporters, to ride side by side and raise vital funds.

I am riding for the millions of women who have shared my experience. I am riding for the lucky ones who thrive, for those that are struggling and those who have lost their lives to this illness. I am riding for Target Ovarian Cancer who have offered advice, support and community to all the women who tread this path. Please help support me in this mission.

https://targetovariancancer.org.uk

For any women reading this, if someone in your direct family has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer please ask your doctor if you are eligible for BRCA screening as this is one way that you can monitor your potential risk of some breast and ovarian cancers. https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/genetic-genomic-testing/hereditary-ovarian-cancer/gene-variants