In September 2025 Shona was diagnosed with hormone positive grade 2 invasive breast cancer at 26 years old. This was following a routine scan due to having the BRCA2 gene.

In November 2025, Shona had a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Routine tests were complete to check the tissue to determine if further treatment was needed.

In December, Shona was told that she had lymphvascular invasion which meant cancer cells were present in the small blood vessels in the breast tissue. This increases the chance of reoccurrence. Due to this, as well as Shona’s young age, it was decided that she would need 16 rounds of chemotherapy.

Since Shona’s cancer fed off oestrogen and progesterone, it was also decided that she needed hormone therapy long term (15 years). This suppresses the production of oestrogen and progesterone. Shona was advised that it would be best for her to freeze her eggs due to complications that can occur from long term hormone therapy. This process was complete in January.

Shortly after her egg retrieval, Shona then began chemotherapy. Despite trying the cold cap, unfortunately Shona’s hair began to fall out after the second round of treatment. Shona bravely made the decision to shave her hair off.

We would like to raise some money for Shona by doing the race for life. This is to raise money for cancer research, as well as support Shona with costs during her treatment, such as for a wig and daily costs as Shona is only receiving statutory sick pay.