I first became aware of the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity when I was diagnosed with breast cancer on the 9th June 2015.
One of my breast cancer nurses told me about the charity based at North Middlesex Hospital and practically begged me to go in there and find out about the services they could offer me whilst I undergo my treatment.
The charity has helped me through my dark days of chemotherapy and believe me there were many. I had to endure eight rounds of chemo and 18 Herceptin injections (only two more to go). Whilst having chemo, I would have reflexology sessions on my good week. It was the only time I could totally switch off from what I was going through. Debbie became my main reflexologist and due to her personal experience I felt I could really relate to her and build up a close bond. I’m still lucky enough to be having reflexology and I really need it as my feet have been damaged by the chemotherapy. I really look forward to these sessions and so do my feet!
As well as reflexology, I have also had to make use of the counselling sessions. These sessions have given me the strength to carry on and have inspired me to enrol on a counselling skills course at college for the next year.
I took on the skydive challenge because the headline in the July issue of Moment really grabbed my attention – along with the quote from Lucy Jenkinson who had done the jump last year. I also saw it as a personal challenge, as I had just come through the toughest fight of my life with chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy so what better way to stick two fingers up at the world and say bring it on? I also of course wanted to give something back to this amazing charity as they had given me so much, and asked for nothing in return, and I couldn’t think of a more crazy, nerve-wracking, scary and fun way to do it.
I also just wanted to say every single member of staff at the charity in North Middlesex Hospital are truly amazing people. They always greet you with a smile and a cuddle. They have become part of my extended family and I will never forget the love and support they have given me.
In October, Jane Coules showed her appreciation for the charity by taking to the skies.
Read the full story in Moment 42
