Melissa's story
Five years ago, on the 5th March 2020, I received news that would change my life – an aggressive grade 3 breast cancer diagnosis. As the world entered lockdown, I faced surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. But rather than letting cancer define me, I used it as a catalyst for extraordinary change.
Cancer changes you. You can't go back to being the person you were before. But sometimes, that's not so bad, I much prefer the person I am now. From my diagnosis and during my treatment, I began sharing my journey on social media, finding an unexpected community that would transform my life, making friends for life. This has led to so many exciting opportunities and becoming a storyteller for Macmillan Cancer Support, participating in national campaigns, and even visiting 10 Downing Street.
A fellow breastie and friend mentioned the told me about the Coppafeel Sahara trek. Something initially I was unsure about. However, when I mentioned the idea of trekking the Sahara to my family, they all declared I wouldn’t be able to do it. I completed a gruelling 100km trek across the desert with 100 other courageous women.
Nothing motivates quite like someone telling you you can't do something!
The adventure bug had bitten. Last October, I found myself walking 100,000 steps along the Great Wall of China, raising funds for Suited and Booted, a charity providing interview clothing for disadvantaged men. From navigating uneven steps designed to trick ancient enemies to eating gigantic persimmons in a local market. China was quite the adventure.
My story isn't just about surviving cancer; it's about discovering that we're capable of so much more than we imagine. Sometimes life's greatest challenges lead us to our greatest adventures and just maybe this was who we were always meant to be.
In five years, at 53, I've packed in experiences I never dreamed of – modelling for This Morning, demonstration topless outside Parliament for a life-saving breast cancer drug, speaking at Macmillan's annual reception and conquering my fear of public speaking, and raising nearly £20,000 for various charities. Cancer showed me that life is precious, and I'm determined to make every moment count. Find out more about my story on my Instagram account.
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