HARRIET’S FAMILY TAKE ON ROMA HALF MARATHON FOR FUTURE DREAMS

In June 2024, Harriet was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram, leading to a summer of many twists and turns in her diagnosis and treatment plan. She started chemotherapy in August, had a mastectomy in January, and is currently undergoing three weeks of radiotherapy.

“My breast nurse told me about Future Dreams very early on, but I didn’t visit until five months post-diagnosis in early November. Dealing with my diagnosis and treatment was quite enough for me without the reality of visiting a ‘club’ that I wanted no part of—not to mention the thought of visiting somewhere full of ‘ill’ people.”

“The first day I came for a show-round and also did a Fireflies ballet class. With a three-hour gap before my next doctor’s appointment, I had intended to wander around Kings Cross killing time. I certainly didn’t expect to find myself in the kitchen eating a delicious home-cooked lunch and talking to so many amazing women that, in the end, I had to tear myself away for my appointment.”

Since then, Harriet has attended the invaluable surgical information workshop, Pilates, knitting, more ballet, and the Christmas Fair. “I know that Future Dreams is going to be in my life for many years to come.”

Harriet has two daughters, Emily and Tilly, and husband Steve. Earlier this year, Emily suggested they all run a half marathon in Rome to support Future Dreams. “I couldn’t have imagined how much money they would go on to raise. Our friends and family have been so generous in not only donating money but also in their incredible support for me over the last nine months.”

Emily and Tilly found running the Rome Ostia half marathon with their dad a fantastic experience. “The conditions were almost perfect (so perfect that we could have done with some more water stations in the final few kilometres), and it was great to finally feel the sun on our skin for the first time in months.”

“We ran for Future Dreams to thank you for all the wonderful support you have given our mum over the last few months and for all the women dealing with breast cancer. Having mum cheer us on at about 20km, when we were all desperate to see the finish line, was a perfect moment!”

As a team, they have raised nearly £4,500 for Future Dreams and those impacted by breast cancer. The money will go toward funding vital support services like the workshops and classes Harriet has attended along her own breast cancer journey.

Support Services

Future Dreams offers practical, psychological, and emotional support to those impacted by breast cancer. Services include:

• Workshops (e.g., surgical information)
• Classes (e.g., ballet, Pilates, knitting)
• Appointments and community groups
• In-person or online support, available anywhere in the UK

Fundraising Challenges

If this story has inspired you to take on a challenge for charity, consider supporting Future Dreams. Options include:

• Running or walking events (e.g., half marathons)
• Fundraising to support breast cancer research
• Helping provide support services for those touched by breast cancer