We walked a million steps in a month for breast cancer research

Kirstin and her fiancé Jordan completed their Million Steps a Month challenge for breast cancer research in September last year. The challenge smashed its target and helped remind women to check their breasts regularly. The motivation behind their fundraising has been Kirstin’s sister Gillian. Who was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer after finding a lump whilst breastfeeding her new baby?

It was a huge shock to the family. Kirstin and Jordan wanted to raise funds to do something worthwhile and highlight the need to be breast aware. They decided to set themselves the challenge of walking a million steps a month. Because it was something they could easily do during the lockdown.

Kirstin said: “ We wanted to continue isolating as much as possible during lockdown whilst also raising funds and getting some exercise as well, and this seemed the ideal solution. But more importantly, we also wanted to highlight the need to check your breasts. My sister’s lump felt like a cyst and could easily have been ignored, especially as we have no family history of any kind of cancer. It’s so important to check these things out, even if you are unsure.”

The future

Kirstin’s sister Gillian was advised to have early surgery for a mastectomy because the pandemic made chemotherapy a risky choice at the beginning. She’s now finished chemo and radiotherapy, too and is feeling positive about her prognosis.

As for Kirstin and Jordan, they’re delighted they are exceeding their JustGiving target.

Kirstin said:

“ 7 or 8 miles a day, which is what we’re doing, is quite a tough one when you’re doing it around working hours. We feel great getting all this exercise, but it’s hard and very tiring. What’s keeping us going are all those fantastic donors who are helping us smash our target. It’s a real motivation.”

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