Carol cycled the Pink Ribbon Tour while going through her chemotherapy treatment last year. She tells us what motivated her to do the cycle.
Carol cycled the Pink Ribbon Tour while going through her chemotherapy treatment last year. She tells us what motivated her to do the cycle. 
My whole world fell apart
In 2017, two weeks after Christmas, I was told by my doctor that I had breast cancer. I had gone in to check a small lump and had a biopsy and mammogram.
Right there and then my whole world fell apart. I was completely on my own.
I thought, 'Am I going to die?'
It turned out I had three large tumours and needed an MRI and mastectomy. The operations didn't stop there as I also needed to have surgery to remove my lymph nodes.
I had six sessions of chemotherapy and 15 sessions of radiotherapy. They just wanted to hit me with everything they had.
I was in denial
I was given a folder the day I was diagnosed. I was in denial for the first five days. I didn't tell anybody or even look at the folder.
Once I was more ok with the diagnosis, I read through the folder. Inside was information about Breast Cancer Care, which was really helpful.
I searched for forums online and found Breast Cancer Care on Facebook. I also found BECCA, which had great information on early menopause symptoms.
The Pink Ribbon Tour was perfect
Before my diagnosis, I had been cycling for three years. I was told during my chemotherapy treatment that I wouldn't be able to ride my horse or my bike.
But I was stubborn and did it anyway!
I wanted to do one cycling event during my treatment. I came across the Pink Ribbon Tour on Facebook. I thought it was perfect. A 15-mile cycle around central London seemed like an amazing way to raise money and support a worthy charity.
I entered and got on a bus with my bike to London.
The atmosphere was electric
I arrived at the Pink Ribbon Tour to an electric atmosphere. Everybody was so friendly and supportive and they all looked great in their pink outfits.
Crossing the finish line was emotional. My friends were there cheering me on.
My favourite part of the Tour was at the end when we got to pin our ribbons to a wall with our Pink Ribbon message written on it.
There were thousands and thousands of ribbons that were pinned to the wall. It really brought home to me the amount of people whose lives are affected by breast cancer every single day.
Achieve the unachievable
My motto throughout my chemotherapy treatment was 'achieve the unachievable'. If something is within your limits, go for it and enjoy it. Be happy that you are here.
The Pink Ribbon Tour is an hour and a half of your life. You might be a bit uncomfortable whilst riding, but when you finish you'll feel incredible.
It's even better if you can complete the cycle and inspire someone else to do the same. It's a brilliant feeling and has been the best part of my Pink Ribbon Tour experience.
Take the challenge and cycle in the OVO Energy Tour Ride this July to support anyone affected by breast cancer.