After her sisters’ breast cancer diagnoses and her own double mastectomy, Nikki decided to take part in the Pink Ribbon Walk in Blenheim. She tells us about her amazing, emotional day.
Can you tell us a bit about your connection to breast cancer?
In 2014, my sister Tracey was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 47. There was no history of breast cancer in our family, but after her diagnosis I decided to get myself checked. My mammogram was clear. I was told that I was no more likely to get breast cancer just because my sister had it. My sister passed away in 2016 when her girls were just 11 and 9 years old.
In November 2020 I received a call from my other sister Michelle to tell me the devastating news that she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, the cancer hadn’t spread and she started her treatment.
Now that I had had 2 siblings affected by breast cancer, I kept thinking it was coming for me next. So, in early 2021, I went and had another mammogram. I then got recalled for a biopsy and on 15 March 2021, I was diagnosed with grade 3 invasive breast cancer.
I asked if I could have a double mastectomy, and it turned out that I made the right decision. There were markers showing I’d get cancer in my other breast too.
I was quite shocked when the genetic tests came back and showed I didn’t have the BRCA gene. The geneticist said that clearly there was something genetically not right but that genetic science isn’t advanced enough to find out the reason why. At that point I allowed them to use any of my information for research purposes. And I’m now almost 4 years cancer free.
Could you tell us about your day at the Pink Ribbon Walk?
I love that people get together and sign up for the Pink Ribbon Walks. I took part in the Blenheim Palace walk last year with my sister and brother-in-law.
The atmosphere is amazing. Everyone has their own story to tell, but we’re all there with the same main goal. We’re all raising funds for the incredible charity, Breast Cancer Now, to research this disease.
So there we were, all dressed in our pink t-shirts with our numbers pinned to our chest. We went and grabbed a cup of tea before we headed for a quick little warm-up. Then we were off. You go at your own pace, and there are lots of stop-offs on the way with free water and snacks, as well as many portaloos!
The atmosphere is so heartwarming and emotional and when you come to cross the finish line, Breast Cancer Now volunteers are shouting and cheering you on. You then pin your pink ribbon with your message at the finish line, and you can’t help but read the heartfelt messages that are left. Straight after the walk, I headed for a complimentary foot massage and some food to round out the day.
What would you say to someone considering getting involved?
If you’re thinking of taking part, I highly recommend it. Great exercise, great countryside, great people and most importantly raising funds for the amazing charity Breast Cancer Now. I will be walking again this year, and I look forward to making more friends and sharing stories along the way.
Don’t miss your chance to take part in the Pink Ribbon Walk
If you’d like to get involved at one of our upcoming Pink Ribbon Walks, register your interest now and we’ll be in touch.
Find out more about our fundraising events
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Fundraising events
Whether you’re a walker, a baker or a mover-and-shaker, you can become part of Team Now and raise money for people with breast cancer.
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