Lorraine celebrates being cancer-free for ten years, by taking part in her fourth MoonWalk

Lorraine (second from right) at her first MoonWalk London in 2017.

Lorraine’s story:
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 44 and have now been cancer-free for more than ten years. I’m living my best life and can’t wait to take part in my fourth MoonWalk London in 2024!

In 2012, I was on placement with a local company. I made a flippant remark to the company’s matron about having found something strange in my left breast. The matron took me to the toilet, made me take my top off and had a look. She told me I needed to go the doctor straightaway and get it checked out.

My doctor referred me to the hospital for a mammogram, but at this stage, I still wasn’t concerned. I was only 44 and convinced I’d be fine. I even told my husband Jason he didn’t need to come along with me for my appointment!

On my own at the hospital, I had a mammogram, followed by an ultrasound and then a biopsy. I quickly realised that I shouldn’t have been quite so flippant and that something was wrong. That’s how I found out that I had breast cancer – it was a huge shock.

Lorraine (far right) at a fundraising event for her second MoonWalk London in 2018.

I had a left breast mastectomy with lymph node removal, when they discovered that the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. I went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, before being put on the hormone therapy Tamoxifen. It was a very difficult time for my family, including my husband Jason, and sons Adam and Harrison, who were only 8 and 13 at the time.

Just after I was diagnosed, we got a puppy, who helped get me out walking each day during my treatment. The walks got rather longer in 2017, when I signed up for my first MoonWalk London and I also took part the following two years. I love the atmosphere on the night – it’s amazing. The first two years, I walked with friends and the third time with my sons. That year with Adam and Harrison was very special – they even wore decorated bras!

In 2024, I’ve signed up for the Half Moon (15.1 miles) with my sister and friend, while my youngest son and niece will be doing the Full Moon (26.2 miles). My other sister can’t walk due to a bad back, but she’ll be creating decorated bras for us again. Everyone should get involved in The MoonWalk in some way, it’s the most incredible night!

My message to everyone is to keep checking your breasts and to do it at different times of the month. If you notice even the slightest change, go and see your doctor. It might well be nothing, but it could be something. And if you’re faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, try to remain positive. That’s what got me through. Every single case is different, but not all breast cancer stories are bad. There are loads of people out there, who have made it through like I have and are now more than a decade down the line. I’m living my best life, thanking God every day that I’m around to be with my granddaughter Athena. And as long as the bills are paid – I’m happy. I feel very blessed.”

The MoonWalk London 2019. L-R Harrison (Lorraine’s son), Chloe (Lorraine’s niece), Lorraine, Adam (Lorraine’s son), Michele (Lorraine’s sister).

Thank you for sharing your story Lorraine.
We look forward to seeing you and your team at The MoonWalk London 2024