My therapy after treatment? A 1,000-mile cycle to celebrate my 60th

I was terrified at starting chemo but I was not sick once

I’ve always wanted to cycle the length of the UK, but when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, I was doubtful if this would be possible.

I had 6 months of chemotherapy, followed by surgery and radiotherapy.

I was terrified at starting chemo. I was particularly worried about the treatment making me physically sick, as I’m phobic about vomiting, but the nurses told me I’d be given antiemetic drugs that would help to stop this happening. Just hearing this soothed me hugely, and I was not sick once.

Without Breast Cancer Now I’d have felt more scared and less informed

I rang Breast Cancer Now several times before, during and after my cancer treatment. Knowing there was someone at the end of the phone who could offer help, advice and support specifically tailored to breast cancer, was so reassuring. Reading personal stories and blogs on the website about those who have had breast cancer was often inspiring too.

Without Breast Cancer Now, I’d have been (apart from the breast care nurses at my own hospital) wholly reliant on general cancer charities for support and advice. While these charities are wonderful, you can't beat talking to people who have knowledge and understanding of your specific illness.

I live alone, and without this charity, I’d have felt lonelier, more scared and less informed about what was happening to me.

Cycling over the Cairngorms nearly broke me – but I kept going

I remember on those days in the chemo ward dreaming of being out on my bike, and vowing to myself that if I made it through, I was going to sign up to the £1000 Challenge and take on the ultimate UK road cycling challenge.

And so this year, to celebrate my 60th birthday, I cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats (1,000 miles) in 14 days in June and July, to raise money for Breast Cancer Now. But two weeks before the ride, I got Covid! Although my symptoms were not severe, my energy levels plummeted.

At an average of 70 miles a day, for 14 consecutive days, and sometimes thousands of feet of ascent, it was the toughest physical challenge I’ve taken on.

Cycling over the Cairngorms nearly broke me, and there were many times when I questioned my sanity! But I knew I had to keep going. A bit like when I was having treatment, I never let myself think too far ahead - it was just 'get through this chemo', and then on to the next, and the next. It's a good motto for life.

Suddenly you feel like you can achieve anything

Arriving at John O'Groats was magical, something I’ll never forget.

I remember looking at the coastline and noticing a strange silvery light. It sounds a bit crazy to say now, but it looked mystical. When our guide pointed to our left and said, 'That's John O'Groats', I knew it before he said it. It was like the Promised Land, and I’d actually done it. You feel that if you can do that, you can do anything!

Cycling has always been my therapy, and writing about this trip is therapy too.

Fundraising makes you feel fantastic as you’re helping others and yourself

I have fundraised before, for Alzheimer's Society, as this cruel disease took the life of my mother. But Land's End to John O'Groats was the longest and hardest ride I’ve done, and definitely the most rewarding.

And I was blown away as in the end I raised more than £1,700.

Fundraising is such a great way to give thanks for all the care and support you've received. It makes you feel fantastic, because not only are you helping others, but you’re also helping yourself, showing that after all you’ve gone through, you can rise again and make a difference.