In June 2024, Harriet was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram and there followed a summer of many twists and turns in her diagnosis and treatment plan. She started chemotherapy in August, had a mastectomy in January and she’s currently undergoing 3 weeks of radiotherapy.
“My breast nurse told me about Future Dreams very early on but I didn’t visit until 5 months post diagnosis in early November. Dealing with my diagnosis and treatment was quite enough for me without the reality of visiting a “club” that I wanted no part of not to mention the thought of visiting somewhere full of “ill” people.”
“The first day I came for a show round and also did a Fireflies ballet class and with a gap of 3 hours before my next doctor’s appointment I had intended to wander around Kings Cross killing time. I certainly didn’t expect to find myself in the kitchen eating a delicious home cooked lunch and talking to so many amazing women that in the end I had to tear myself away for my appointment.”
Since then Harriet has attended the invaluable surgical information workshop, Pilates, knitting, more ballet and the Christmas Fair.
“I know that Future Dreams is going to be in my life for many years to come.”
Harriet has two daughters, Emily and Tilly and husband Steve. Earlier this year, Emily suggested that they should all run a half marathon in Rome and that they should do it for Future Dreams.
“I couldn’t have imagined how much money they would go on to raise. Our friends and family have been so generous in not only donating money but also in their incredible support for me over the last 9 months.”
Emily and Tilly found running the Rome Ostia half marathon with their Dad a fantastic experience. “The conditions were almost perfect (so perfect that we could have done with some more water stations in the final few kilometres) and it was great to finally feel the sun on our skin for the first time in months.”
“We ran for Future Dreams to thank you for all the wonderful support you have given our Mum over the last few months and for all the women dealing with breast cancer and having Mum cheer us on at about 20km when we were all desperate to see the finish line was a perfect moment!”
As a team, they have raised nearly £4500 for Future Dreams and those impacted by breast cancer. The money will go towards funding vital support services like the workshops and classes Harriet has attended along her own breast cancer experience.
If this has inspired you to take on a challenge for charity, find out how you can get involved and support us using the link below.
Fundraising challenges: help raise money for our breast cancer charity
Looking for a fun challenge that will raise money for charity, support breast cancer research and help us to help more people touched by breast cancer? Future Dreams breast cancer charity has so many options for you.
Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer? Do you know a loved one or friend who is living with breast cancer? Future Dreams offers practical, psychological and emotional support to those impacted by breast cancer. To learn more about the support services we can provide, including workshops, appointments, and community groups, click the link below.
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Sylvie and Danielle began Future Dreams with just £100 in 2008. They believed nobody should face breast cancer alone. Their legacy lives on in Future Dreams House. We couldn’t continue to fund support services for those touched by breast cancer, raise awareness of breast cancer and promote early diagnosis and advance research into secondary breast cancer without your help. Please consider partnering with us or making a donation.