Nicky's Story

Cancer has been part of my family history for as long as I can remember.
We lost several female relatives to breast cancer at relatively young ages. It was something we knew about, but it felt more like misfortune rather than a pattern that might need investigating.
My mum was the only one, as far as we know, who had ovarian cancer as well as breast cancer. Her ovarian cancer went undiagnosed for a time, and by the point it was identified it was advanced. Later, she was also diagnosed with breast cancer. She died shortly after in 2006 at 57 years old.
Back in 2006, when genetic testing was first mentioned to me, I was told my blood could not be tested against hers because they needed a living relative with cancer to compare the genes.  We had missed that chance.
It took years before I finally revisited this with my GP and was able to access testing myself and learn that I carry BRCA1. When I did, family history suddenly made more sense. The pattern had been there, but it had not been fully joined up.
In 2018, I chose to have a double mastectomy followed by the removal of my ovaries and fallopian tubes as preventative surgery. What a year that was! At the time, I made practical decisions. I was focused on getting through it and returning to normal life as quickly as possible. Something that came back to bite me a few years later in the shape of a mental meltdown.
My daughter is now 21. She has chosen not to pursue genetic testing at this stage, which I completely respect. These decisions are deeply personal, and timing matters. Once you have the result, you have to act on it and those kinds of decisions are really hard when you are meant to be worry-free and enjoy life.
Over time, I realised how much clearer information earlier in our family’s story might have changed conversations. That recognition led me to establish BRCare Connect CIC, a community interest company focused on raising awareness of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk in Yorkshire. Through meet-ups and community awareness sessions, I encourage people to look at patterns in their family history and to feel confident speaking to their GP about genetic referral where appropriate.
I am also a member of the Research Advisory Panel at Yorkshire Cancer Research, contributing lived experience insight into research priorities and funding decisions. Being involved in research discussions has reinforced for me how important early awareness and access to information are.
As part of making awareness practical, I have developed a simple monthly breast check reminder and mammography/ smear test tracking app, Knickers & Knockers, to encourage regular self-checking in an accessible way. Small, consistent actions can make such a difference.
For me, this work is about clarity. Our family cannot change what happened in the past, but we can help ensure that hereditary risk is recognised and discussed more openly in the future. I have HOPE for what the future holds.

Exercise and me: Sharon Schofield talks about how she has worked to regain her fitness levels following a cancer diagnosis.

“18 months ago being diagnosed with cancer for a second time completely knocked me off my feet! I was at my fittest I had been for a long time, running regularly and attending exercise classes 6 days a week.

Undergoing weekly chemo stopped me in my tracks, both mentally and physically. Then undergoing a double mastectomy with Diep flap reconstruction hindered me further.

Being able to get a health referral to Aspire Gym to engage with a rehabilitation class was the start of my journey back to fitness and walking the dog daily really helped - to get outside in nature boosted my general well-being.

At the start of my getting back to fitness journey I found the “Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support Group” and have not looked back since! The “MY” group offered me the support I needed to engage with a weekly Pilates class in Leeds with the lovely Jo Sheridan-Hawley and to join them on a weekly walk in Horbury on Sundays. As I built up my fitness, I was then able to attend the fortnightly dance class that followed Pilates, which is a lot of fun focusing on conditioning, flexibility and core strength.

It’s been a long, hard, steady slog but I am now starting to feel stronger as regular exercises with like-minded people is now part of my routine.

More recently I have joined a ladies-only small PT class in Ossett run by the very supportive Paula Appleton, Mental Health and Exercise Coach, focusing on strength and conditioning.

I may never get back to full fitness as before but the new me is coming back stronger than ever!”

Diane Cusworth is proud as punch after having completed the Leeds 10K in record time.

Diane joined us on a Crocodile Walk a few months ago and was inspired to restart park runs. She was introduced to a fellow park runner at one of our Wellness Days and there was no stopping her. 

She signed up for the Leeds 10K in June as well as the Aspire Health course and Live Well Wakefield, Cancer- Thriving and Surviving course. 

Diane said “For myself, I saw a big impact on my physical and mental wellbeing during the 12 weeks that I attended the Aspire course”. 

Diane has now joined the gym through Aspire and is a true mentor to us all.