Paula's second MoonWalk London will be a very personal affair

Paula (centre) preparing for The MoonWalk London 2024. 

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer aged 59. Up until that point, I didn’t check my breasts, and had never got around to making a mammogram appointment either, despite plenty of reminders. However, some sort of sixth sense made me finally go and it was then that my cancer was discovered. I’m so glad I went!

I’m not proud of it, but I was approaching my sixtieth birthday and had never been for a mammogram. Every year, I was one of those people who promised to make an appointment, but never did. I was leading a busy life and I literally didn’t make it a priority. Looking back now, I just think ‘How stupid was I’?

But at the time, even though both my parents passed with cancer, I assumed that all the exercise I did, and my healthy diet would be enough to keep me healthy.

Paula and her husband Dave renewing their wedding vows in Cyprus with their family. 

I’d never checked my breasts either and as I got older, I became more nervous and embarrassed about asking for advice on how to do it. We did have some family history with cancer – my paternal grandmother had breast cancer many years ago and my mum and dad have both been treated for different types of cancer too. But for some reason, I just never thought it would affect me. 

My mind-set suddenly changed. I have no idea why, but something in my mind was telling me to finally book my first ever mammogram. I even ended up postponing the first appointment I made but made sure that I booked another date. It was almost like I had a sixth sense, telling me what to do.

After I’d finally had my first mammogram, I got called back to Wonford Hospital in Exeter for a biopsy. Two weeks later I went back there for the results and was told I had breast cancer, which was a huge shock. It turned out that the cancerous lump in my left breast was tiny – just 3mm. The doctor told me that I wouldn’t actually have noticed any change to my breast. I was very lucky that I went for that mammogram when I did and I’m incredibly grateful that my cancer was picked up.

I had an operation to remove the lump, which also included removing samples from my lymph nodes. They were tested for cancer and thankfully, they came back all clear. I needed a course of radiotherapy, but no chemotherapy, which was a great relief.  Probably one of the worst aspects of my treatment has been that I had to come off the HRT which I was taking for my menopause symptoms. I’ve really struggled with the hot flushes and not sleeping.

Paula with her granddaughter Maisie at the renewal of her wedding vows in Cyprus.

Even though I’m now cancer free, I’ve actually been more emotional recently than when I was going through my diagnosis and surgery. I’ve found that exercise has really helped and running in particular has been a great release. I had my operation on the Monday and was told that I could walk (but not run) until I’d seen the surgeon again a week or so later. My family’s great sense of humour has also got us through everything! My husband Dave, my three children and two stepdaughters have been such a huge support.

I took part in The MoonWalk London six years ago in honour of my mum. That was before I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself, so we decided that it was definitely time to do it again! I’ll be walking the Full Moon (26.2 miles) with my daughter Sian and daughter-in-law Samiyah. I am also walking with Abbie, who I’ve been working with for four years as part of my job helping integrate people who used to be in secure units back into the community. I was amazed that in some secure units they have no form of exercise – over the years, Abbie has become much more fit and healthy and now joins us on our marathons, which is amazing. I know that walking really helps her mental health.

I’ve been very candid with friends and family about my breast cancer diagnosis. Of course, I realise now how important it is to regularly check your breasts and to take up your mammogram appointment, but that’s not always been the case! I really hope that other people will learn from my mistakes.

I want to get the message across to as many people as possible – keep checking your breasts and just go for your mammogram!  I’m so incredibly fortunate that my sixth sense finally made me take that first step and that my cancer was discovered early and was treatable.”

Paula (centre) with L-R daughter Sian and step-daughter Sophie at The MoonWalk London 2018

Thank you for sharing your story Paula and we look forward to welcoming you back to The MoonWalk London 2024

Feeling inspired to join us and Paula at The MoonWalk London 2024?... Sign up now and join in the fun!