Nurse's 100km charity trek
One of our district nurses who was declared cancer-free last year is taking part in a 100km trek across Northumberland to raise money for a breast cancer charity.
Emily Blackburn, who works for North Uttlesford Integrated Care team, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 when she was 33.
She is joining celebrities including Giovanna Fletcher and Emma Willis in a bid to raise as much money as possible for CoppaFeel!
Emily is taking part in a mammoth five-day walk from June 10 to 16, to raise awareness of breast cancer and to encourage people of all ages to check themselves for signs and symptoms.
The 35-year-old said: “I didn't think I would be accepted when I applied to take part in the charity walk and I am absolutely delighted that I am able to help raise money and awareness of CoppaFeel! and what it stands for.
“I found a lump in my breast, which coincided at a time when I already had a doctor's appointment. If I hadn't had that doctor's appointment, I'm not sure how long I would have waited to get it checked.
“There was no concern and was told it was most probably a cyst but any lump has to be referred to the breast clinic.
“Two weeks later at the breast clinic, I was examined by several doctors where I was still told it was just a cyst but was offered an ultrasound to be sure.
“During the ultrasound I knew it wasn't good news. They found three tumours and the original lump I found wasn't the aggressive one.
“Biopsies were taken and I was told to return to the clinic instead of having a phone call and I knew the results wouldn't be good. If this had happened two years previously, I would not have had an ultrasound because of my age.
“I was diagnosed with grade three, triple positive, invasive ductal carcinoma in July 2021."
Emily underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy and finally finished active treatment on 25 April last year and was declared cancer free.
She added: “I'm currently on hormone therapy, which means I have been put into a medically induced menopause to prevent reoccurrence.
“It is scary to think that this could have ended up so differently if I had not mentioned it to the doctor or it had happened a couple of years before.
“Whatever your age please check your boobs and never feel silly for getting it checked out."
CoppaFeel! is on a mission to ensure breast cancer is diagnosed early and correctly by getting people to check their breasts and chest regularly.
They want to educate people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, encourage them to get to know what is normal for them and empower young people to have the confidence to see a doctor if they notice anything that isn't right for them.
Emily, along with other volunteers taking part in the walk, will be put into groups with a celebrity team leader. It has been confirmed that Giovanna Fletcher, Candice Brown, Ella Vaday, Sanam Harrinanan, Emma Willis, Matt Willis and Frankie Bridge will all be taking part.
Emily has managed to raise more than £2,500 so far. If you wish to donate, please visit Emily's JustGiving page.