My Story

This marathon will be dedicated to my gorgeous eldest cousin Natasha, and all those taken too soon or living with Breast Cancer. 

Natasha was my eldest cousin (nearly 16 years older than me) and because of that she was always someone I looked up to. She was the life of the party, the one to get others involved and encourage them to dance. She taught me to live life through dancing and the biggest smiles. And importantly taught me how to dance to Shakiras 'Hips don't lie' properly. 

She brought so much joy to our family and I always wanted to grow up with her zest for life within me. 

But then, when my cousin was just 27 years old she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. A time that I know I was protected from seeing many of the bad days. I saw my cousin still raring at life and following her dreams right till the end. 

She continued to teach me life lessons, listen to my life updates and encourage me in what I was getting up to. 

At point of diagnosis I had no idea how to manage the news and the big emotions and frustration that followed. I soon channeled this energy into fundraising at school for charities that supported people living with Breast Cancer and those that also raised funds towards research to help people beat cancer and to live better and longer with it. I am so happy that these charities have merged over the years to create Breast Cancer Now and are championing the needs of those affected by Breast Cancer.

Cruely, my cousin Natasha was taken far to soon. At just 34 years old she took her final breath. A day I will never forget. But a day that our family and her close friends surrounded her with love. Something that meant so much to her always. 

Even in those painful last months and weeks I was able to create many more memories and be imparted with one last bit of final Natasha wisdom ... Eat the cake. I fondly remember sitting on her bed eating lots of mini chocolate brownies with her talking about my new experiences at uni and for a moment able to step away from what was yet to come. 

But for us and for so many, that was the end of her life here on earth. 

The research has come so far over the years, and the support available increased, but we still long for a day where Breast Cancer is cured. Breast Cancer now is actively funding research to prevent, to save lives and to help people live well beyond the disease. 

This year as I turn the poignant age of 27, please support me as I take on this emotional journey to do something for a charity that means so much to me and my family. 

I will be taking on different challenges and activities to help raise this target, but please donate what you can today to help me support such an incredible charity.