About us

After many happy years of friendship, our lives were turned upside down when at just 27, Emma got breast cancer...

After fighting that battle last year, on returning from her honeymoon Emma received the devastating news it had returned to her spine. We're determined to fight it though - and throw some obstacles in the way of this dreadful disease.

We're planning a year of fundraising and sponsorship to raise cash for Breast Cancer Campaign, culminating in walking 50k along the Great Wall of China. For all you intrepid explorers this may not seem like much of a challenge - but if you know us you will understand. Not known for our love of the outdoors, or physical exercise - more for our love of shoes and nights out - this is a huge undertaking for us both. (Not least because of Emma's illness.)

Here are our stories:

Emma's story

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 27 in February 2005 I believed my life was over. It was as if everything I held dear had been snatched from me and I no longer had control of my life. I was on the outside watching everyone else who actually had a life live theirs. I now have secondary breast cancer in my spine, however, far from being down about things I am looking forward to the future. This is thanks to: the fantastic treatment I have received from the Royal Marsden, Sutton; the amazing charities, such as Breast Cancer Campaign, supporting further advances in breast cancer treatment (and the quest for a cure); and not least the non-stop support from my family and friends. From the first diagnosis my best mate Laura was great. Not once did she get upset in front of me. She was my rock. With Laura's help feelings of despair were replaced with a willing to learn and grow from my experience, to make the most of the situation. I am determined to survive this and I know I will. To grow old with my husband, David and to have loads more adventures with Laura.”

Laura's bit

“You don't expect your best friend to tell you she's got breast cancer - not when she's just 27, just got engaged and her life is full of promise. Yet it's surprising how quickly the abnormal becomes normality. Chats that once only included men, makeup and gossip become littered with talk of chemo, blood counts and hospital visits. And somehow we got through it. It's not something you ever really notice about someone, but Emma has an amazing life force. She's so positive and determined and she made the abnormal easy for me to live with. The secondary cancer has obviously been a blow, but Em, as ever, has taken it in her stride. And I know we'll get through this too.”

The Charity

Breast Cancer Campaign is the only charity that specialises in funding independent breast cancer research throughout the UK. It aims to find a cure for breast cancer by funding research which looks at improving diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, better understanding how it develops and ultimately either curing the disease or preventing it.