On the 11th November 2021 our lives turned upside down when I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). I had a painful lump in my armpit but never thought for a second it would be cancer - I was only 26 and lived a very healthy active lifestyle. After many scans I was told luckily it hadn’t spread further than the lymph nodes in my armpit and so they would treat me with the ‘intent to cure’.

After 5 long months of chemotherapy, 15 rounds of radiotherapy and surgery, I was told I had a complete response to chemo - no active cancer was found. Fast forward to now and I’ve been left to return to ‘normal’ life whilst learning to live with the fear and anxiety that comes with cancer every day.

TNBC is an aggressive form of cancer which is usually found in younger women. It is different to other types of breast cancer as there are no hormones present, meaning we cannot use hormone therapies to prevent it from coming back. This is why I want to raise money specifically for TNBC in the hope to find more treatments and eventually one day, a cure! Me and my amazing sister will be running the Brighton 10k, as well as completing a 10k walk where friends and family can take part! Any donations, no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated!

Breast cancer is so common, even more than you would think in young girls like me! I had never checked myself before my diagnosis - I didn’t even know how to. Other than a lump in my armpit I had no symptoms what so ever and that’s what is SO scary. No family history either. I am so grateful that my GP took me seriously and I didn’t just get fobbed off for being ‘too young so it can’t be cancer’ like some do. So please check yourselves … any lumps or bumps that don’t feel right get them looked at. Push for that referral - get a second opinion if you feel you’re not being listened to! Early detection literally saved my life.

Lacey x

UPDATE - due to being heavily pregnant with our little miracle baby, I will be postponing the April 10k run / walk to next year! Thank you all so much for your generous donations x x