Donations can be made

HERE

The Karen Henderson Legacy Fund has raised an

incredible £70,155.37 to date.  

 

  

A dedicated patient champion since the launch of Make 2nds Count in 2018, Karen firmly cemented her place in the Make 2nds Count family. As one of the patient models in our first photo shoot, the minute Karen walked in the door her positivity and zest for living her best life radiated throughout the studio. From that point onwards, Karen became one of our first patient champions and she made sure that she flew the flag for us anywhere and everywhere she went.

From campaigning at the Scottish Parliament, volunteering at roadshows, strutting her stuff on the runway (at any opportunity!) to hosting her ‘Big Ball’. And, of course, who could ever forget her very own fundraising music video ‘Sunshine on Dalkeith’. 

Raising in excess of £35,000 for us over the years, there was no stopping this pocket rocket!

Make 2nds Count gave Karen hope and a support network but she gave us even more blessings in allowing those involved in Make 2nds Count the opportunity to call Karen a dear friend.  

'‘She was beautiful for the way she thought. She was beautiful for the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about something she loved. She was beautiful for her ability to make other people smile even if she was sad"

In 2024, thanks to the donations from our wonderful supporters, Karen's Legacy Fund was delighted to continue it's support to the wellbeing of Secondary Breast Cancer patients in the following ways:

2nds Together Retreats 

These retreats held at Blairmore Farm, Crieff, Rainhill Hall, Liverpool, Dunadry Hotel, Northern Ireland, Marine Hotel, Whitstable and a new venue for 2025 - New House Hotel in Wales provide a welcome, much needed break from life on constant treatment for SBC patients. The KHLF  provides each attendee with a lovely gift bag "with love from Karen" full of quality and useful cosmetic products.

"As someone with secondary breast cancer, legacy is something I do think about . I think it’s a wonderful thing that Karen has this legacy fund which touches so many people suffering with SBC . I was lucky enough to go to a make seconds count retreat this year and received some lovely gifts from the fund in a “goody bag” which was the first time I’d heard of Karen and her fund".

 

Birdsong Physio & Yoga

Make 2nds Count are partnering with Birdsong to offer up physio led yoga sessions for Secondary breast cancer patients. Both these activities have been proven to help patients with breathing, flexibility and pain management. Karen was a great advocate for and strongly believed in the benefit of keeping both fit and active whilst going through treatment.

"Finding a class which is run by someone who understands the challenges faced by people with SBC and pitches the class accordingly is amazing. I don’t feel at danger in your class, especially after you took the time to discuss my medical history before starting the class, and feel I can work at my own level and am challenged by it. I don’t think I would feel like that in a gym run class".

 

Edinburgh Tea & A Chat

This Tea & A Chat monthly meet held in the home city of M2C, offers a safe and friendly space to meet with other SBC patients,  to get peer to peer support and have that all important chat with others in a similar position, all in a beautiful relaxed environment. The KHLF fully funds these sessions.

"Whilst you never get a break from secondary breast cancer, it is a welcome pause to be able to go and meet with other women who really get it and have a chat, a laugh or get some reassurance about anything on your mind. I would not wish this illness on anyone but I am grateful for being able to make new friends in a supportive, relaxed environment. Make 2nds Count makes me feel less isolated and welcomed.”