Kate is a 40-year-old wife, mum, sister, teacher and so much more. She’s raising money for breast cancer research, to make sure that one day, other mums won’t have to go through a secondary breast cancer diagnosis.
As a mum of 2, I love spending time with my family above all else. I'm an active person who likes to keep busy, and I’ve been a primary school teacher since 2005.
I'm definitely a 'talker' - I truly believe that talking and sharing can help most people in most situations. I try to always be there for others and am happy to open up and talk about my own experiences. Through my work, I hope to help others who face challenges in their lives.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2020
Not long after that, I found out that it had spread to my bones and therefore I had stage 4 incurable cancer. Once we knew I had secondary cancer, my initial treatment plan changed, and I started chemotherapy in May 2020. I was lucky that I responded well to chemotherapy, and with the use of the cold cap, I managed to keep most of my hair.
In the following year I had surgery and radiotherapy. I am now on daily Tamoxifen, 3 weekly Phesgo injections and 6 weekly Denosomab. I’ll continue to have treatment for as long as my body tolerates it and it continues to keep my cancer stable.
Now more than ever, I realise the importance of research, especially into secondary cancer
Although at times it has been gruelling, I feel very lucky to have received such powerful treatment. I’m also grateful for the ongoing treatment and care I receive. I was diagnosed during the pandemic, so fundraising options were limited, but once I had the chance, I wanted to show my appreciation by raising some money for charity. I chose Breast Cancer Now because now more than ever, I realise the importance of research, especially into secondary cancer.
Cancer doesn't discriminate, it has no rules, and it ruins lives. We need to understand more about it and find ways to stop it, so that fewer people are affected and many more survive. The only way to do this is through research, and that takes a lot of money and time; something some of us don't have.
I am lucky enough to have people around me every day who inspire me to see the positives, to enjoy the little things and who encourage me to keep fighting. Honestly, if love could stop this awful disease, I would have been rid of it years ago.
I aimed for £150, but raised over £10,000
Back in 2020, I decided to ask all my supporters to take a selfie wearing pink, share it on a Facebook page I set up for my wear it pink event, and donate via my JustGiving page. I was totally overwhelmed by the effort people went to.
The school I work at held a wear it pink day (even the PAT dog got involved). Mums on the school run wore pink, children in my girls' classes wore pink, my brother's work colleagues wore pink, the GB hockey team wore pink - it was amazing. Some friends and family also helped me bake, sell and deliver lots of pink cakes. I gathered the selfies and had a photo collage created which I framed, to remind me of the support I have as I continue my journey.
For those planning their wear it pink day, I’d say to aim high and have fun. Initially I set a target of £150; I thought a few friends would join me in wearing pink - I never ever dreamed of raising over £10,000. It made me realise just how much love and support I have from so many people - more than I could have ever imagined.
Since my diagnosis, I’ve have taken part in this event annually and have now raised over £17,000. I’m hoping by the end of 2023 I will have reached £20,000.
Will you join Kate and wear it pink?
Wear pink. Raise money. Help fund life-saving breast cancer research and support.