Sara, Claire, Jen and Jo hiking for Flat Friends UK

It’s a hard hike of 24.5 miles in 12hrs and it’s just five months after my last mastectomy and also my second breast cancer diagnosis in less than a year. I’m really proud of our achievement, but also VERY tired and achy!

Sara, Claire, Jo and Jen, a team of very novice hikers embarked on a 24-mile challenge, hiking the three peaks of Yorkshire (Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent) in one day, to fundraise for Flat Friends UK, a charity close to Sara’s heart.

Here’s Sara’s story…
I was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in April 2023 and underwent a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with an implant, followed by radiotherapy and then long term hormone treatment and an anti-cancer drug. Fast forward to March 2024, and I went into hospital early for my first annual breast screening, where a small, grade one tumour was discovered in my other breast. This was a devastating double blow and it hit me and my family hard. The new primary tumour was unrelated to the first and I learned that I’m in under 2% of women who receive this type of diagnosis. I opted to have another mastectomy and as the implant in my reconstructed breast had been damaged by radiotherapy, I made the decision to have it removed and I chose to go fully flat.

Prior to my surgery, my brilliant breast consultant connected me with two ex-patients who had also chosen to go flat. They gave me incredible reassurance and support before and after my surgery. One of them told me about Flat Friends UK. I joined their online community, which is a joyous and warm hub of amazing women, who have been through similar experiences to me. They helped me to feel less alone, they normalise living flat and as a charity, they help to promote life without reconstruction as a positive outcome.

I feel incredibly proud of my flat chest and my scars and I’m ready to take on some challenges, build up my fitness and give back to a charity, which continues to be a big support to me, as there’s still stuff tough days with drug side effects and concerns. But having this challenge to focus on has made all the difference.
I also want to add a massive thank you to my fabulous friends Claire, Jo and Jen for joining me on this hike – They’ve been an amazing support through my breast cancer journey.

You can donate (and set up your own fundraiser!) at Just Giving.