Rose Chorlton

My story

In July 2022, while 33 weeks pregnant, I noticed a lump in my breast. You’re reading this now so you probably know where this is going. But for me at that time, it was inconceivable to think it would be anything but a cyst. I had a GP check-up, a speedy 2-week referral to hospital, a couple of examinations, then went to my consultation. Alone. So sure I was that it was nothing to worry about. The MacMillan nurse in the room was a giveaway and after being told I had Her2+ breast cancer, my world as I knew it fell apart.

I’m going to skip over the ups and downs of my treatment (early induction of baby, 5 rounds of chemotherapy, 3 bouts of sepsis, 1 mastectomy, 2 breast reconstructions, 1 port-a-cath, 18months of immunotherapy) because really, I’m just so grateful to all the medical staff who helped me to where I am today.

Nearly everyone has a story about how cancer has touched their lives. I hope that I have a few more years in remission, and I’m lucky that my active treatment is now over. A few years ago I couldn’t conceive of walking for more than 20 minutes, but now I feel healthier than ever and ready to walk this marathon to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Sutton, who supported me and continue to help thousands of others year.

Please donate whatever you can to help me give back to the place that saved my life. Your support means everything.

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the other incredible organisations that supported my family during this time:  Mummy’s Star, Something To Look Forward To, The Chris Aked Foundation, Maggie’s, Little Lifts, MacMillan, and the Croydon University Hospital.