Lisa's story

"The Tea & Chat support group is so much more that it sounds. It’s a lifeline for so many people and for me, life changing. Fundraising means that these can continue to take place and provide vital support to those who truly need it."

 

 

Have you heard about our Walk4Hope events are taking place in Glasgow (17 Aug) and London (26 Oct) this year? These two events are gentle walks for our community, friends & family and supporters to come together, raise money for our support services and hear inspirational talks along the way from local people. Lisa, from Glasgow, shares why fundraising for our services are so important. 

 

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

I’m Lisa and I am 43 years old. I live with my husband and my dog Rory. I love musical theatre and going to watch pretty much any sort of live music. I’m happiest when outdoors either in the hills or in any form of cold water be it river, loch or sea! I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in July ‘24 right at the end of my treatment for primary breast cancer. 

Can you tell me what Make 2nds Count services you have used?

I regularly attend the Glasgow Tea & Chat support group, I do yoga with Yvonne on a Wed night (highlight of my week) and I was lucky enough to attend a retreat at Blairmore Farm earlier this year. 

Can you tell me how important these services are for you?

When I was first diagnosed with secondary breast cancer I thought I was going to die imminently. I thought my life as I knew it was over forever; that I would never be able to walk or swim or travel or do anything that I love again. I remember distinctly walking into my first Tea & Chat and seeing a room full of amazing, healthy looking, full of fun, ladies. The chat that day was about the holidays people had been on, the things they were doing, the lives they were truly living. It was fun and there was a lot of laughter that day. I realised then that this was not the end. Yes life would look a bit different, but they gave me so much hope. My mindset changed that day and I started living again rather than just waiting for something to happen that may not happen for many years yet. The Tea & Chat group has become so important to me, they are the only people who truly understand what you are going through and they’re there for all the bad days and the good ones too. 

I love the yoga with Yvonne it really is the highlight of my week. She has the most calm and relaxing voice and the classes and tailored to all abilities. Her visualizations during relaxation are heavenly and so important to help my body relax and switch off fully from reality for that short time. 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining our Walk4Hope and what would their fundraising mean to you?

The Tea & Chat support group is so much more that it sounds. It’s a lifeline for so many people and for me, life changing. Funding means that these can continue to take place and provide vital support to those who truly need it. You will also realise when joining the walk that people with secondary cancer can and are living and thriving due to this support…not just simply existing. 

Sign up to take part in our Walk4Hope here.