Helens story...

This September, I am shaving my head to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. This month marks exactly ten years since I lost my mum on the 28th of September. When she was first diagnosed, she was given just 3 to 6 months to live. Instead of giving up, she selflessly chose to take part in a clinical trial for a new immunotherapy drug—fighting bravely right until the very end. Her courage advanced cancer research, and now, a decade later, that same fight for medical breakthroughs touches my family once again.Kirst’s Fight Against BRAF V600EToday, my sister-in-law, Kirst, is facing her own intense battle against bowel cancer. She has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive genetic mutation called BRAF V600E, which affects only 10% of patients—predominantly younger, fit women. This mutation acts like a broken "on" switch, allowing the cancer to hide, spread quickly, and resist traditional chemotherapy.Kirst had a clear bowel screening test just last year, falling into the tragic 5% of cases missed by regular checks. The tumor had likely been growing for a year. However, Kirst trusted her instincts when something felt wrong. She made a GP appointment, and her vigilance is the reason she is here to fight today.The Attack PlanHer medical team is hitting this head-on. Kirst faces six months of intensive treatment, including 12 sessions of heavy FOLFOX chemotherapy infusions—some in the hospital and others via a 48-hour pump attached to her chest at home. Because the doctors know exactly which genetic switch is broken, they do not have to rely solely on standard chemo. They can use specialized, targeted therapies like encorafenib, which act like a precise key to turn that broken switch off.Braving the ShaveMy mum fought to the very end to help advance cancer care, and now Kirst is fighting with everything she has. I am braving the shave to honor my mum’s selfless legacy and to stand in absolute solidarity with Kirst.Macmillan Cancer Support provides the vital care, guidance, and nurses that families desperately need when facing these aggressive diagnoses. Please donate whatever you can to support my shave and help Macmillan be there for the families who need them most.

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WE WILL SHOW HELENS BRAVE ACT LIVE ON FACEBOOK.

WELL DONE HELEN WE ARE ALL BEHIND YOU XXX