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"Life is very different although I do not think about it every day. I feel like I am living with a chronic illness rather than a ‘death sentence’." My name is Kelly and I am 48, from Romford, in Essex.

“My mother lost her fight with cancer.” I refuse to say that. She never ‘lost’ anything.

“This study sends a clear and united message: people living with secondary breast cancer want to take part in research, want access to new treatments, and want to contribute to progress. Yet far too many still face barriers and far too few are given the chance.

"Yes, I have dark moments and have to pull myself together. Who doesn’t?

“Talking about dying isn’t about giving up hope - it’s about making space for honesty, choice and dignity at a time when these things matter most.” There are few conversations harder - or more necessary - than those about end-of-life. For people living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, these discussions sit at the intersection of hope, honesty, and humanity.

Earlier this month, our Head of Research & Education, Dr Sarah Thomas, went to the ABC8 Conference in Lisbon and shares her thoughts on the importance of this event. "I joined more than 1,200 people from across the world in Lisbon for ABC8 - the Advanced Breast Cancer Conference organised by the ABC Global Alliance.

“Join local support groups. Talk to others, share your fears and worries.

Andrew took on the Valencia Half Marathon last month raising money for Make 2nds Count in memory of his friend and our Community Ambassador, Tansy. He tells us why he is doing this challenge.

"We were shown into a side room and the doctor said "You've got breast cancer." I remember just feeling really hot and in shock. After leaving hospital, I remember it felt like I was in a bubble and it didn't seem real." I am Stuart Weaver, aged 55 and I live with my wife Karen in Maidstone, Kent.

Today is Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Community Ambassador Lorraine shares her story.

At the recent Brighton and South East Breast Study Day, oncologists and nurses came together for an in-depth Clinical Trials Roundtable, designed to open up honest discussion around the realities of clinical trial access for people living with secondary breast cancer. This interactive session, hosted by Make 2nds Count, created a safe space for healthcare professionals to share challenges, reflect on experiences, and explore how we can collectively improve patient access to research opportunities.

“The hidden costs of secondary breast cancer are real, and they matter. By talking about them openly and designing support that sees the whole person -not just the disease - we can begin to lighten the load.” Living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer means navigating so much more than medical appointments and treatment plans.

Karen is taking on the Tour de 4 this Sunday, raising money for Make 2nds Count. She tells us why she is doing this challenge.

"Allow yourself to have bad times but to force yourself to pick yourself up and find anything you enjoy to improve your mood and make you want to keep living." I’m Claire Molyneux, I live in Sheffield with my husband. I’m very glad to have seen our children grow up and Katie is now 30 and Tom 27.

“I try my best to live with the cancer rather than against it, accepting a new rhythm but not allowing it to dictate everything I do and think.” "I'm Sammy Burrow. I’m 56 and live in the Holmfirth area with my husband and our dog and, occasionally, our two grown-up children.