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# Secondary1st

Seeking a cure for secondary breast cancer

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Latest News](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/latest-news/) - Nullam id dolor id nibh ultricies vehicula ut id elit. Donec sed odio dui. Donec sed odio dui. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis.
- [Run in the Dark](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/run-in-the-dark/) - Despite the darkness and the rain University College School held a late afternoon run to raise funds for their chosen charity Secondary1st. The muddy conditions failed to deter the runners and the wonderful upbeat atmosphere added to the overall fun for everyone. The School event received a remarkable level of support and raised an amazing
- [Doing the Camino Walk](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/doing-the-camino-walk-2/) - Laurence finished walking the length of the Camino de Santiago with memories of the many miles she had covered and mental images of mountains and motorways, cats and cows and wonderful scenery. She was helped along the way by the yellow arrows marking the route which were first painted by a local priest and scholar.
- [New Research with Funding from Seondary1st Reported In the Papers](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/new-research-with-funding-from-seondary1st-reported-in-the-papers/) - A young, healthy, active teacher in Glasgow found a lump in her breast but was told at first that it was a benign cyst, so she ran the Boston marathon and got engaged. Some months later after the lump had grown bigger she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. She then went through chemotherapy,
- [Another New Grant](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/another-new-grant/) - Secondary1st is delighted to announce that, thanks to our wonderful donors and fundraisers, we have made a grant to fund a post-doctoral researcher in a new project run by Professor Seth Coffelt at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research at the University of Glasgow. This new project follows previous research funded by Secondary1st which identified gamma
- [Nolan Does It Again](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/nolan-does-it-again/) - First it was the zipwire, then it was a cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats and now Nolan with support from his family and friends has raised a total of more than £23,000 in memory of Nic for Secondary1st. But that isn’t enough for him as he is already planning another challenge for
- [Another NICE Targeted Cancer Treatment](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/another-nice-targeted-cancer-treatment/) - NICE now recommends capivasertib, also known as truqap and made by Astra Zeneca, with fulvestrant for those with HR positive HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer with certain genetic mutations after endocrine or hormone therapy. Capivasertib tablets are to be taken twice a day to block the action of an abnormal protein that tells cancer cells
- [A Liquid Biopsy](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-liquid-biopsy/) - The NHS in England has started offering liquid biopsies to some women with breast cancer that has mutated. These circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) blood tests will show whether women with ER-positive HER2 negative secondary breast cancer have developed the ESR1 mutation which can sometimes occur after long-term treatment with hormone therapy. ER-positive cancer cells are
- [Quiz](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/quiz/) - Winckworth Sherwood organised a quiz in a City wine bar in aid of Secondary1st. Teams of six competed to answer questions on a wide range of subjects. These were fiendishly difficult but everyone had a great time.
- [Team 27 Complete Their Mission](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/team-27-complete-their-mission/) - A group of 11 and 12 year-olds together with some of their parents completed a 10-mile Charity Cycle Ride round St, Alban’s and through parts of Hertfordshire on May 13th. They all had a great day in the warm sunshine and raised nearly £950 for Secondary1st - a fantastic achievement by them all.
- [Cr*p and b*****ks](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/crp-and-bks/) - So it's arrived. The black cloud. Yes I have lost my mojo and feel down in the dumps. Today is a bit better than yesterday, which wasn't great. I understand why they call it a black dog. It crept up on me from behind and brought me down in its teeth. I just wanted to
- [Good news...I think. Plus a thought about hair.](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/good-news-i-think-plus-a-thought-about-hair/) - So I'm BRCA negative (for the Jewish mutations). This should be good news. It should mean a lumpectomy. This should mean less pain, a shorter recovery, our holiday looks more likely blah blah blah. But the geneticist reckons I still have a 20-25% chance of another primary breast cancer. If I have a double
- [Friends old and new](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/friends-old-and-new/) - This weekend has felt almost like a return to normal now we know that Genghis hasn't spread. We have been a lot lot lot less tense - obviously. And not all our conversations are about Genghis.Another nice thing is that friends around the world have been in touch. Some have been sad, some angry (on
- [Rosie 1 - Genghis 0](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/rosie-1-genghis-0/) - Yesterday I found out that my scans were all clear. Genghis is only in my left breast. So already I am winning.But nothing is straightforward. By way of background, my daughter was born with abdominal situs inversus with levocardia. This means all her abdominal organs are in the mirror opposite position from where they are
- [Battle strategy](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/battle-strategy/) - Hello. My name is Rosie. I'm 37 years old. I am a wife and mother of 2, living in NW London. I am Jewish. I have a double First from Oxford. I am a partner in a City law firm. And I have cancer.There. Said it. The "c" word. First and last time in this
- [Hair Part 1](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/hair-part-1/) - Today is the day I am cutting my hair. I've had long hair for ever and today it's going. I control the time and date, not Genghis. I control where and how, not Genghis. I control the outcome - it's going to be donated to a charity that makes wigs for kiddy cancer patients -
- [Hair Part 2](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/hair-part-2/) - Ta-dah! It's cut. It's done. Step one taken. Hooray. Bring on the next step.
- [Gone, girl](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/gone-girl/) - So the latest. Genghis is gone, girl. The lump has been removed. Yesterday I had my lumpectomy, or "wide local excision" in medical speak. Plus I had one of my lymph nodes under my arm taken out - call a "sentinel node biopsy". The sentinel node is the gateway to my lymphatic system. If any
- [Another year....](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/another-year/) - Happy birthday to me! 38 years ago today I emerged into the world. 10 years ago today I was preparing for my wedding just a few days away. 1 year ago today I was having a nice day off work. And today I am preparing for my 5th chemo session tomorrow. Don't get me wrong.
- [Happy birthday dear husband](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/happy-birthday-dear-husband/) - Today is my lovely husband's birthday. He doesn't really do birthdays. He has little interest. But he still gets presents and cards - that's what you do on birthdays. This morning was the usual. Kids opened the presents while he opened the cards. He liked the cards. He was indifferent about the presents. I thought
- [It's been a while.....](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/its-been-a-while/) - So I haven't blogged for a while. First there was a lot to say, but it was hard to say it. Then there was little to say. So here I am. The "lot", first. The results from the op. On the good side: Genghis was smaller than the original estimate. It weighed in at 35
- [Some thoughts on holidays](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/some-thoughts-on-holidays/) - 1. Sun and sleeping are good. Physically and mentally. 2. Eating naughty food and watching lots of TV should definitely be encouraged on holiday for kids and for adults. 3. Physical distance from hospitals and doctors makes a biiiiiiiig difference. 4. Family should be treasured (even when the smaller ones are having a melt down).
- [Cath 'n' Brian](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/cath-n-brian/) - So on Monday I had to get over my holiday self quickly as it was time to get my portacath fitted. This is a small port that goes beneath the skin under your collarbone. It means that the chemo can go straight in and you don't need a cannula. If you are relying on a
- [1 down, 7 to go](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/1-down-7-to-go/) - I had my first chemo earlier today. Here are some random thoughts on the whole thing: - My wee is red. Bit like a period. What if I have both at the same time?! - So far I feel like I have a hangover but not a monster one. It's tolerable. I've definitely had worse.
- [An even keel](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/an-even-keel/) - Chemo plus 9 days and I'm back on an even keel. It took time. Longer than I thought. The nausea lasted no more than 18 hours. I sweated, peed and pooed it out fairly quickly. Then there were about 24 hours of feeling wrong but not ill. Then a couple of days of recovery. Then
- [Seconds away, round 2](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/seconds-away-round-2/) - I'm just home from my second round of chemo. It was fine. So far I feel woozy and heavy legged but not ill. But I'm waiting for the nausea to hit which is an odd thing. Sitting. Waiting to feel horrid. It was all very cheerful at the chemo centre this morning. The lady in
- [Amazing](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/amazing/) - Yes it's amazing. I feel almost normal. No spinning rooms. No nausea. No floaty floaty. Really, it's amazing. Hard to believe I had my chemo only yesterday. Was it the extra anti sickness drug? The extra jug of water? The baked potato for lunch? The mid-morning biscuit? The slower release of the second drug? The
- [Keeping it together](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/keeping-it-together/) - So my game plan is to keep it together. Keep going with life as normal, except when interrupted by chemo, or doctors, or any other Genghis s**t. But it's hard. This morning, for example, I'm exhausted. I've woken up feeling almost as tired as when I went to bed. So the kids are playing up
- [Musings from the Big White Chair](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/musings-from-the-big-white-chair/) - Some random thoughts as I sit in the Big White Chair waiting for the poison: - This is all a bit shit. - Generally I've been feeling upbeat but for some reason today the crap is getting me down. - That said, I know I will bounce back. I hope it's sooner rather than later.
- [Grey](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/grey/) - Today has been a grey day. The sky has been grey. My jumper is grey. My face is grey. And to be honest I have felt a little grey. Maybe more than a little. I had my first dose of Taxol two says ago. It's been ok ish. I feel sleepy and weary. I have
- [The kindness of strangers](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-kindness-of-strangers/) - This is a post I've been meaning to write for a while. It's all about the amazing people who I don't know and yet whose support is helping me get through. I'm a big Facebook user. Don't have time for any of the other social media sites, but FB has been my "thing" for a
- [Ouch](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/ouch/) - Bone ache. Ouch. A bit like period pains but in my bones and throughout my body. Not pleasant. Better than nausea and chemo brain, but not a walk in the park. Hurry up and go away.
- [Going public](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/going-public/) - My husband keeps telling me I should publish this blog. To be honest I'm not sure I'm ready. It's a bit like getting undressed in public. There's a certain amount I'm not sure I want anyone to see. But that said, it may help people to understand. It may help others going through it. Maybe.
- [Happy happy happy](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/happy-happy-happy/) - Today is our 10th wedding anniversary. We have spent the night at the Ritz, been to the theatre and had an amazing breakfast. We are off to lunch at Gordon Ramsey. My fantabulous husband has given me a beautiful diamond necklace. I am living in the moment and I am in ecstasy. It all feels
- [Such a lovely time](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/such-a-lovely-time/) - I've had a lovely lovely week. My wonderful husband surprised me several times on our anniversary. It felt like being on honeymoon all over again. There was lots of laughter and many tears of happiness. I was very emotional and I appreciated every second. No need to go into details of gifts and experiences but
- [Work, Facebook and other sanity preserving measures](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/work-facebook-and-other-sanity-preserving-measures/) - Thank the Lord for my work. Genuinely. Honestly. I couldn't have been signed off and stayed sane. Even working through the fog of chemo is better than endless Jeremy Kyle and Cash in the Attic But in particular, thank the Lord for work. I started a new job in January and was lucky enough to
- [The Plan](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-plan/) - This afternoon I saw my third oncologist (is there a collective noun for oncologists? A cancer of oncologists?). Another very lovely man, he didn't treat me like an idiot but talked to me like a grown-up. And at last I have my Plan. To cut a long story short - after chemo will come the
- [Lovely ladies](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/lovely-ladies/) - Last weekend I organised a get together for members of the Younger Breast Cancer Network (UK) in town. We had lunch and tea then drinks (though being old and boring I wimped out before drinks). There aren't rally enough adjectives to describe the afternoon but it's worth a shot. First, though, I ought to say
- [Top ten people](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/top-ten-people/) - I know, I know. I've posted a lot about the people I love. But you can't be too grateful. And it makes for a good Top Ten. Don't hate me if you're reading this and you're not in it. That doesn't mean I don't love and appreciate you. I do. Very much. But these are
- [Foooooooood](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/foooooooood/) - Here's another quick top ten. Top ten best things to eat after chemo: 1. Chocolate 2. White carbs 3. Super fresh and juicy fruit 4. Salty food 5. Pineapple (great for dealing with a manky mouth) 6. Ice cream 7. Cake!! 8. Boiled sweets (same reason as pineapple) 9. Chips 10. Anything you damn well
- [A note on feeling guilty](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-note-on-feeling-guilty/) - So much of the time since being diagnosed with BC I have found myself feeling guilty. I know it's not my fault and I don't really think the guilt is guilt about being ill. It is guilt about the effects of me being ill on other people. In the spirit of my Top Ten theme,
- [Contrariness on chemo](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/contrariness-on-chemo/) - Being on chemo is a bit like having PMT in lots of ways. No wonder, as they both mess with your hormones. One of the worst things about this is feeling the opposite of how you (and others) think you should feel. I feel gung-ho about things that would turn others into shivering wrecks -
- [Red carnation day](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/red-carnation-day/) - Today I have earned my chemo red carnation. At Oxford, when you do your exams, you wear a carnation. White for the first, pink for the middle, red for the last. Those people who walk out of Exam Schools with a red carnation get showered with champagne and gifts. You know that you have got
- [Weird](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/weird/) - I've just shared this blog. People are reading it. It feels a bit weird!
- [Pink champagne](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/pink-champagne/) - Pink champagne is one of the things I'd take to my island if I were ever on Desert Island Discs (the others are sushi, chips, duck pancakes, salt and vinegar crisps and melon, in case you are wondering - although the pedants amongst you will point out that I'm only allowed one luxury). So it
- [Respect](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/respect/) - Yesterday I had a post chemo appointment with my oncologist and then an appointment with my surgeon. I have so much respect for these guys. http://www.spirehealthcare.com/ImageFiles/Bushey/Consultant%20photos/Prof%20David%20Miles.jpg David Miles is just amazing. He is calm, funny and hugely intelligent. He is direct and clear. He examined me thoroughly and said how pleased he was with how
- [Nip 'n' tuck](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/nip-n-tuck/) - Yesterday I made an appointment to see the plastic surgeon that Mr Al-Dubaisi works with. My Floyd isn't a cancer specialist (not sure there is such a thing in the plastics world) but he does seem to get all of Mr A's private referrals so I guess he knows a thing or two about breast
- [The Fear](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-fear/) - Lots of people who have had cancer talk about the fear that haunts them - the fear that it will come back. Books have been written on how to cope with this fear and there appears to be a whole sub-segment of the counselling profession giving support and strategies for how to put The Fear
- [Deja vu](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/deja-vu/) - Genghis is back. I think. I've got another tumour. It's just by where the first one was and it's another fast growing one so chances are it's a local recurrence. The chemo didn't work. So now I'm back where I was six months ago. Scans to make sure it hasn't spread. I hope. Waiting for
- [In a bad place](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/in-a-bad-place-please-dont-read-this-if-you-are-family-or-in-a-bad-place-yourself/) - I have been in a very dark place waiting for the results of my scans. I have been convinced that I will get bad news from the doctors. I have been convinced that my time is running out. I have been filled with tremendous sadness for my husband and kids, for my parents and in-laws
- [The worst news](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-worst-news/) - Genghis is in my liver. There are multiple spots. Chemo is starting ASAP. The prognosis isn't great but there are people who stay stable for a good while or whose mets shrink. It is even possible for the mets to disappear completely, though unlikely. My onc has said to plan for the worst but prepare
- [Top Tens](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/top-tens/) - One of my new BC friends, the lovely Sarah, writes a great cancer blog. She is much braver than me and has been sharing it as she goes along - you can find her at http://hbocuninformed.blogspot.co.uk/. Anyhow, Sarah has started posting on 100 reasons she is grateful for her BC diagnosis. This started me thinking.
- [Ten things I hate about you](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/ten-things-i-hate-about-you/) - So here are my top ten breast cancer hates. 1. Fatigue/feeling weak. I'm such a doer. I can't stand being immobilised. I get frustrated and depressed. It's not easy to just sit back and do nothing. 2. Chemo brain. The only thing that I really value about myself is my intellect. Chemo brain takes this
- [Take these words out of the dictionary!](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/take-these-words-out-of-the-dictionary/) - Here are what I consider to be the 10 worst words in a breast cancer patient's dictionary: =1. Metastasis. The last thing you want to hear out of a doctor's mouth unless accompanied by the word "no" or "none" =1. Spread. Same reason. 3. Reoccurrence. What we all fear most after metastasis and what we
- [Natalie](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/natalie/) - I just gave my daughter Natalie a goodnight cuddle. She is 6 going on 16 and incredibly stubborn, independent, intelligent and often grumpy. She is also extremely perceptive and caring. She smelt of soap and shampoo and strawberries, and she was almost as soft and warm as the day she arrived in the world, with
- [An encyclopaedia of side effects](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/an-encyclopaedia-of-side-effects/) - Yesterday I got a bit worked up about a chain message in Facebook allegedly in aid of breast cancer awareness. I had a bit of a rant about how pointless it was and listed some of the side effects from chemo that I am experiencing and that the chain message in no way tackled. I
- [The runs](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-runs/) - I bloody hate the runs. They wake me up in the night. They have me dashing down corridors at work. Phone calls are cut short. Conversations are abridged. Yuk. It is debilitating and embarrassing and not one of those side effects that you can moan about out loud. That's all.
- [Done D-done done](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/done-d-done-done/) - Yes yes yes. Chemo is done. I am home and, somehow, I am awake. I am happy through the fog. And now it's on to the next stage. In three days I see the onc for a sign off (I hope) and the surgeon to get the ball rolling on surgery. Today is the day
- [A new reality](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-new-reality/) - I was going to start this blog entry by saying that we are adjusting to this new reality. But I'm not sure that's quite right. Certainly the tears are slowing up although they are still catching me unawares from time to time. But the horror of the situation isn't fading. I have a constant knot
- [Some paradoxes](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/some-paradoxes/) - Here are some of the paradoxes that are haunting me at the moment. Sleep is a blessed relief from the horror of our situation. So I want to stay asleep. But I want to spend every second with my family as time feels so limited. So I want to stay awake. Anxiety and fear freezes
- [Joey Choueka Trouble Maker](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/joey-choueka-trouble-maker/) - I'm having a lazy Sunday morning in bed. The electronic babysitters are fully engaged (thanks, tablets and smartphones). Joey is lying next to me watching Angry Birds cartoons. I just adore this cheeky little monkey. He is so soft and cute and wraps everyone around his little finger. He is super clever, super flirty and
- [Plan B](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/plan-b/) - Chemo Mark 2 started today. My breast cancer twinnie calls this Plan B. It's been a very long day and I spent almost 9 hours in the Big White Chair being walloped by the three new drugs plus humongous bags of fluids plus the usual anti-emetics. Entertainment was provided in the form of a steady
- [Some messages of support](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/some-messages-of-support/) - I've blogged before about the wonderful messages of support I've received by phone, text, card, email and Facebook. In the past two weeks these have increased exponentially as the blog has been shared and brought home to friends and strangers the situation I'm in. So I'd like to thank everyone for your good wishes, kind
- [Inspirational people](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/inspirational-people/) - New Years Eve always seems to be a time for reflection and this one more obviously than most. I have been thinking about some of the people who have inspired me in life, who have given me the fire in my belly. Here are just some of them. My mum. The biggest inspiration of all.
- [New Years Resolutions](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/new-years-resolutions/) - Normally I wake up on 1 January full of good intentions and resolutions. Like most people, I promise myself I will eat more healthy, exercise more, spend more quality time with family and friends, challenge and improve myself etc etc etc. This year there is just one resolution. I resolve to fight, to stay alive
- [Noise](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/noise/) - I haven't been able to blog for a while as the noise in my head has been deafening. The noise only goes away when I go to sleep. When I am awake it stops me from thinking straight, from separating sensible ideas from ludicrous ones, from working out which way is up and which is
- [The funny](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-funny/) - PS. My husband says I need to find the funny. It can't all be serious. We have to laugh. He's right. So here's a silly joke that always makes me laugh. What's brown and sticky? A stick. What's brown and sticky and can see through windows? A poo on stilts. Ta-dah.
- [Getting there](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/175-2/) - Yesterday two things happened that helped my mental and emotional state enormously. I had my first counselling session and I had a long chat with a dear friend whose mum died when he was only 7. I've always been a bit dismissive of counselling and other talking therapies, but something happened to me yesterday morning.
- [Life and death](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/life-and-death/) - Over the last few days I feel like I have been very aware of both life and death. That sounds incredibly melodramatic and it hasn't been, so let me explain why I said it. Some of my experiences in the last couple of days have been truly life-affirming, albeit in a low key way. Tali
- [Bad luck](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/bad-luck/) - I've been thinking about bad luck a lot in the last couple of days. I'm not particularly superstitious, so I don't really believe in "luck" as such, but I do seem to be suffering from quite a lot of bad luck at the moment. This train of thought kicked off primarily because of conversations about
- ['Fessing up](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/fessing-up/) - This morning I 'fessed up to the kids about the recent developments. I thought it was going to be awful but in the end it wasn't. They provided us with the perfect opportunity - they both woke up early-ish but after a good sleep, they were relaxed and they were in our bedroom playing on
- [Angels](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/angels/) - I am sitting hooked up to the "chemo machine" - the pump that delivers my drugs directly into my veins via Cath (my portacath). The noise of the pump will be one that haunts me, rather like the noise of the foetal heart monitor during pregnancy check ups, but - for obvious reasons - less
- [Accepting help, rejecting scepticism](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/accepting-help-rejecting-scepticism/) - I've never been all that good at accepting help. My dad delights in frequently retelling anyone he can (hi Dad - I know you'll be reading this!) that, aged 2, I got out of my buggy, went round behind it and insisted "Roro push". Even at that tender age, I wanted to be doing the
- [Big shout out to...](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/big-shout-out-to/) - Here are the people in my thoughts and prayers today. Penny Hampson. Please keep fighting, beautiful lady. Jojo Gingerhead. Fingers crossed for you at the Marsden today. Louise Nicholson. Let's hold hands virtually, and weather the SEs together. Sarah Perry. Because you rock, dude! Andrea and Cinzia. Just because I love you. Jo Fine. Always
- [The best possible version](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-best-possible-version/) - Elliot and I often talk with Tali about being the best possible version of herself. As she is only just 7, this is probably a bit hard for her to understand. What we mean is that there are times when she is amazing - mature, kind, empathetic, questioning, interested, sensitive, calm - and times when
- [Scanxiety](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/scanxiety/) - So I've had my first two cycles of the new chemo regime and soon it'll be time for the CT scan to see if it's having any effect. I have been doing fine in the last couple of weeks generally. While the chemo makes me feel weary and achy and nauseous, it is not hard
- [It's not fair](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/its-not-fair/) - I've really tried to avoid thinking about what's fair and what's not since my original diagnosis back in June. I'm a big enough girl to know that life isn't fair and whinging about it doesn't help and doesn't achieve anything. But this morning I've been hit with a real dose of the blues. I feel
- [World Cancer Day](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/world-cancer-day/) - Today is World Cancer Day and Cancer Research UK are using this as a fundraising drive. Research is vital for both current and future cancer patients. This morning I heard about a new vaccine being trialled in the US for triple negative breast cancer. That's just amazing! It made me cry. So to all my
- [Gloria Gaynor](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/gloria-gaynor/) - I can't remember the reason, but there was an occasion at school when some girls in my year got on stage during assembly and performed Gloria Gaynor's song "I Will Survive". It might have been when we finished our GCSEs, or when we were leaving school after A Levels. Even before that, the song resonated
- [Prayers](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/prayers/) - At the start of this week I, along with my family and friends and indeed many strangers who are following my progress, were praying for a good result from my scan. I had the scan a week ago, last Friday evening. I had imagined that this would mean me spending the weekend in fear, frozen,
- [Reconnecting](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/reconnecting/) - Every day I wake up wishing I could be facing a different reality. Some mornings I get half way to the bathroom before I remember. Most days it hits me immediately, and I reach to feel Genghis and check that it hasn't magically shrunk overnight or, worse still, grown. The reconnection to the reality of
- [Reconnecting - postscript](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/reconnecting-postscript/) - Life is too weird. I've only just posted my previous entry. One of my school friends who I mentioned messaged me to say she lives on the same road as one of the work friends I mentioned. No way!!!!
- [Out of sorts](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/out-of-sorts/) - I'm feeling desperately out of sorts this morning - I can't tell if it's physical or emotional or both. I have a very anxious feeling in me, yet I feel exhausted at the same time. The logical side of me says that it is a combination of having overdone it yesterday with visitors mixed with
- [Friday 13th](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/friday-13th/) - I'm not usually one to have an issue with Friday 13th. Despite my new open minded approach to spirituality and the like, for me superstition is still just that - superstition - and therefore not of any significance. But the Friday 13th that we have just had really was a bad day. Nothing to do
- [A bit of a rant](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-bit-of-a-rant/) - There are some people who may find this post offensive. Please forgive me. It is not my intention to offend. But there's something that's been on my mind for a while and I have to let it out. It's about smoking. It's about the people who smoke. It's about the people who think that they
- [A short note on drugs](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-short-note-on-drugs/) - Last night Elliot nabbed one of my sleeping pills to try to ensure a good night's sleep. Suffice to say, it didn't work as our darling roguish little boy came in at 5.45 a.m. Worse, Elliot was left with a sleeping pill hangover which he didn't enjoy. This prompted much laughter on my part as
- [Left behind](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/left-behind/) - One of my biggest fears as a child (and even now, as an adult) was the fear of being left behind. I used to get into a sweat thinking about my parents accidentally driving off without me, or walking ahead and me not being able to keep up, or being at the shops and watching
- [P is for....](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/p-is-for/) - Pearls of wisdomI took a real nugget away from my counselling session yesterday. I had spent quite a bit of time whinging about various things and situations and kept interrupting myself to comment on how trivial it all sounds in light of my prognosis. My counsellor then gave me a real gem. She said that
- [From cocktails to codeine in 24 hours](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/from-cocktails-to-codeine-in-24-hours/) - In 24 hours I have experienced the best and the worst of living with Genghis. I have cried with laughter and with pain. I have celebrated, I have been thankful, I have been joyful; I have also cursed, I have ached and I have suffered. That all makes things sound very melodramatic but, to be
- [Oy vey](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/oy-vey/) - It has been quite a week. It took me really quite some time to get over the liver biopsy. The only way of dealing with the severe referred pain in my shoulder was to keep myself topped up on codeine. But the codeine had some seriously unpleasant side-effects. And I was only just getting over
- [Behind closed doors](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/behind-closed-doors/) - Today three of my closest friends came over for lunch, bringing food and cheer with them. On the initiative of my dearest and oldest friend, they organised the shopping and co-ordinated diaries to arrange a Sunday lunchtime treat for me. It was just lovely. As you would expect, we chatted about all sorts, including my latest
- [Quality and quantity](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/quality-and-quantity/) - In life we are frequently told that the quality is more important than quantity. When it comes to life itself, I'm not sure that the same holds true.This all stems from a couple of conversations I have been having in the last 24 hours. Last night I had a catch up appointment with my oncologist,
- [The Republic of Equatorial Khundu](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-republic-of-equatorial-khundu/) - My husband and I have been huge fans of The West Wing since it was first aired. Few other TV series stand up to it. It is humorous, thought provoking and engaging. There are so many parallels between what is shown on the screen and what happens in real life. There are so many lines
- [Happy Mothers Day](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/happy-mothers-day/) - We have never really celebrated Mothers Day in my family. It's a bit of a "Clinton Cards" event - in other words, it seems to have mushroomed in recent years because of the cards and gifts retailers' efforts to push their sales. And my Mum, having somewhat of a stubborn streak, has always quietly insisted
- [SIRTainly, Madam](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/sirtainly-madam/) - Yesterday afternoon, I had an appointment at the Hammersmith Hospital with a doctor specialising in SIRT. SIRT stands for selective internal radiotherapy. It is a specialised form of radiotherapy which has been developed to treat cancer that has spread to the liver. It involves putting special radioactive beads up inside the artery that lead to
- [Bridget Jones](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/bridget-jones/) - Remember that scene in the film "Bridget Jones's Diary" when she is taken away on a romantic mini-break to a big country house hotel? That's me at this very moment - sort of. I haven't been whisked away (I organised it) and, unlike in the film, it's not turning out to be a series of
- [Opposites](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/opposites/) - This last week has been one of opposites - opposite views, opposite feelings, opposite personalities, opposite approaches, opposite reactions. If there is one moment or image that sums it all up, it is this - the smashing of a glass at the end of a wedding. Let me explain. My little brother got married last weekend.
- [Next year in Jerusalem](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/next-year-in-jerusalem/) - We are currently celebrating the Jewish festival of Passover (Pesach in Hebrew). This remembers the exodus from Egypt, when the Hebrews were led out of slavery by Moses after Pharoah had refused to let them go, despite G-d having sent the ten plagues. The slaves left in a hurry, under cover of night, and did
- [The launch of Secondary1st](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-launch-of-secondary1st/) - Under the patronage of Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi, Secondary1st has been launched in memory of Rosie Choueka who died from the disease.
- [Cancer, Conservatism and the counterfactual](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/cancer-conservatism-and-the-counterfactual/) - I'm a competition lawyer. Contrary to what some people think, I don't advise on the law relating to prize competitions (plural), but on the law relating to competition (singular). In other words, the law on how to maintain competition in the market, preventing big companies from getting so powerful that they squeeze out their competitors. One
- [A guide to the afterlife](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-guide-to-the-afterlife/) - I had my chemo today. It was hard going and I feel absolutely rubbish now, but having had it delayed for three days due to low platelet levels I was still very glad to have been given the go ahead. The first day of each chemo cycle is a very long one. We start with blood
- [Signs](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/signs/) - A very religious man was once caught in rising floodwaters. He climbed onto the roof of his house and trusted Gd to rescue him. A neighbour came by in a canoe and said, “The waters will soon be above your house. Hop in and we’ll paddle to safety.” “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve
- [Take these words out of the dictionary - revisited](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/take-these-words-out-of-the-dictionary-revisited/) - Last November when I was going through treatment for my primary breast cancer I blogged about the top ten words or phrases that, as a breast cancer patient, I feared or loathed the most and wanted removed from the dictionary. In the last few weeks and months since my secondary diagnosis, I've revisited these. Many
- [The truth](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-truth/) - I saw my counsellor today. It was extremely cathartic. And I realised that I find it easier to speak the truth to a stranger than to my loved ones, easier to type it into my blog than to say it face to face. I've not been feeling great since my Big Chemo day last week.
- [Wowzers!](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/wowzers/) - Wow! This blog has been shortlisted for an award!! It's the BritMums Brilliance in Blogging award and it's in the Inspire category. Now you know how I feel about the word "inspirational". Nonetheless it'd be kind of great to win it. So if you like what I write, please vote here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bibs2015 Here are some
- [Paying it forward](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/paying-it-forward/) - A few days ago I had a blood transfusion. This was the second one I've had since starting on my current chemo regime. My haemoglobin and platelet levels had both sunk very low, leaving me even more exhausted as well as breathless, and jeopardising my chances of having more chemo, at least until the levels
- [Sadness and happiness](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/sadness-and-happiness/) - Yesterday was a tough day. I awoke to the news that one of my online friends had passed away. She was a beautiful and very special person, with an inspirational attitude (I don't use the "i" word lightly). She had made her peace with the fact that she was dying and had found ways to
- [The Rosie Project](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-rosie-project/) - Last year I read a novel called The Rosie Project. It's a sweet story, about an autistic man looking for a girlfriend. The title stuck with me, for obvious reasons. Today I feel like it's an apt way to describe my life at the moment. Life is no longer a series of events. It is
- [Once Upon A Time](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/once-upon-a-time/) - I have a small secret. I have a guilty pleasure. One that I think about lots, even dream about. I am a teeny bit obsessed. The object of my obsession? I blush to write it down. A U.S. TV show called Once Upon A Time. It's available on Netflix and I am addicted to it.
- [Jojo](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/jojo/) - My incredible friend Jojo died last night. Jojo and I were online friends but we'd also met in "real" life. Like me, she was a regular feature of the online breast cancer world, through various groups. Like me, she discovered a second breast lump just by the site of her first, when she was finishing
- [Hatched, matched and dispatched](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/hatched-matched-and-dispatched/) - Like many of my tribe, I've always been a teeny bit obsessed by the social and personal column in the newspaper. Whilst normal people call this the births, marriages and deaths section, in our family this has long been known as the "hatched, matched and dispatched". It has been a measure of the years rolling
- [Please help](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/please-help/) - One of my club of cancer bitches, the beautiful Andrea, is campaigning for a change to the way benefits for cancer patients are calculated and paid. I asked her to explain what the issue is. So in her own words, here it is: After finding out that my children are not entitled to free school
- [My final post](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/my-final-post/) - I never thought I would be writing this post at least not yet. A couple of weeks ago we went on holiday en famile. It was supposed to be a family treat to give me strength for facing more surgery in the form of a second lumpectomy and SIRT. Instead, it turned out to be
- [Craig the half Ironman](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/craig-the-half-ironman/) - No challenge is too big for Craig Fisher. He has doggedly raised £12,000 for secondary breast cancer research by participating in a series of marathons, duathlons and triathlons.
- [The Rosie Conversation](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-rosie-conversation/) - Former Irish president Mary McAleese and first female Appeal Court judge, Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss joined the BBC'S Jo Coburn in the first ever Rosie Conversation.
- [Secondary1st Founder On Fulfilling His Wife’s Dying Wish To Save Others With Breast Cancer](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary1st-founder-on-fulfilling-his-wifes-dying-wish-to-save-others-with-breast-cancer/) - Almost every charity has a poignant story behind it, inspired by people who demonstrated incredible acts of strength even when struck down by illness.
- [Deborah: A chocoholic’s challenge](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/deborah-a-chocoholics-challenge/) - “What better way to raise money for charity than give up something I love in memory of someone I love?”
- [Alex and Sebby: Friends running to find a cure](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/alex-and-sebby-friends-running-to-find-a-cure/) - 10-year-old school chums Alex Russell and Sebby Boxall took part in the St. Albans 1.5 kilometre Fun Run.
- [A Very Special Birthday](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-very-special-birthday/) - Our wonderful Patron, Peter Capaldi, celebrates his 60th birthday on 14th April 2018. We all wish him a very Happy Birthday and thank him for his support for Secondary1st.
- [A ride to the seaside](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-ride-to-the-seaside/) - Vance is a personal trainer and is used to regular daily exercise to keep fit. He went right out of his comfort zone to cycle all the way from London to Brighton through sun and showers and raised money for Secondary1st.
- [Afan College](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/afan-college/) - A display of information at Afan College in Port Talbot, one of the NPTC group of colleges in Wales, is raising awareness of secondary breast cancer among staff and students.
- [A video message from Dr Seth Coffelt](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-video-message-from-dr-seth-coffelt/) - Dr Coffelt and his team at the Beatson Institute of the University of Glasgow are investigating the role of a type of immune cell called gamma delta T cells in helping breast cancer spread through the body and received grants from Secondary1st in 2019 and 2020.
- [A Nice recommendation](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-nice-recommendation/) - Nice, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, has recommended the use of ribociclib, also known as Kisqali for routine use by the NHS in England and Wales, after it was originally made available through the Cancer Drugs Fund. Their draft guidance recommends ribociclib plus fulvestrant as an option for treating hormone receptor-positive, human
- [A New Challenge for David](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-new-challenge-for-david/) - In 2017 David cycled all the way from London to Amsterdam to raise money for Secondary1st. He had recently lost his wife Joanne to secondary breast cancer and Secondary1st was a charity which had been very close to her heart. To continue his support David joined our team of Trustees to use his experience and
- [A Summer Run in London](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-summer-run-in-london/) - Heather wanted to get back into running after a gap and aimed to enter a few races. She started by taking part in the London 10km Summer Run and finished in great style.
- [A Superhero in Plain Clothes](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-superhero-in-plain-clothes/) - Simon proved himself to be a great Superhero in plain clothes by running the Brighton Marathon to raise money for Secondary1st and wearing one of our t-shirts. He covered the extra-long course in an amazing time and was really pleased that the weather was dry and not too hot.
- [A Special Haircut](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-special-haircut/) - Ruby decided to raise more money for Secondary1st in honour of her Auntie Charlie. She cut off more than 10 inches of her hair and donated it to the Little Princess Trust, which provides free real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair. She received a certificate from the
- [A New Test](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-new-test/) - Scientists are working on a ground-breaking test to spot or predict a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer or three other gynaecological cancers (ovarian, cervical and uterine cancer) from one sample taken from a routine cervical smear test. Two papers published in the journal “Nature Communications” reported on two studies that found that this test,
- [All-Day Fundraiser](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/all-day-fundraiser/) - Shannon is organizing an All-Day Fundraiser at the Old Flower Shop in Mapperley on Saturday 14th May in aid of Secondary1st. She has arranged food and drink, a raffle with fabulous prizes, a bake sale and a tombola with even more prizes and the day is in honour of her Mum Sam.
- [A New Breast Cancer Drug](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-new-breast-cancer-drug/) - Results of a trial of Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) were presented at the 2022 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Enhertu is a specifically engineered HER2-directed antibody drug conjugate which looks for breast cancer cells, binds to the HER2 protein on their surface and then
- [AI in Experiment to Predict if Breast Cancer Will Spread](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/ai-in-experiment-to-predict-if-breast-cancer-will-spread/) - A team of scientists at King’s College London has developed an Artificial Intelligence model which analyses immune responses in the lymph nodes to predict the likelihood of developing secondary breast cancer for patients with triple negative breast cancer. Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures that are part of the body’s immune system. They filter substances
- [A New Grant](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-new-grant/) - Secondary1st is delighted to announce that it has just awarded a grant to a project led by Professor Simak Ali, who is Professor of Molecular Endocrine Oncology at Imperial College London. Up to 80% of breast cancer diagnoses are ER-positive and many can be treated successfully with hormone therapy. However some ER-positive tumours stop responding
- [A Nice New Drug](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-nice-new-drug/) - Olaparib (Lynparza) has now been approved by NICE as a second-line treatment of HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in adults with mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes who have had chemotherapy. Olaparib is a PARP inhibitor; PAPR is a protein which helps cancer cells repair themselves and Olaparib stops this repair process in these
- [24 hour Cycleathon](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/24-hour-cycleathon/) - Elizabeth and four colleagues spent 24 hours cycling on stationary bikes as part of her family’s efforts to raise as much money as possible for Secondary1st in memory of her mother who passed away from secondary breast cancer in February 2018. It was an incredible effort by the whole team in the difficult conditions of
- [A bike ride through Hertfordshire](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-bike-ride-through-hertfordshire/) - The three Rotary Clubs of St. Alban’s will hold their 25th Anniversary Cycle Ride through the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside on Sunday 19th May. Cyclists can choose to ride 10, 20, 30 or 40 miles along carefully chosen routes with drinks and refreshments available at regular checkpoints and raise money for their selected charity. On this
- [A busy weekend](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-busy-weekend/) - Twelve-year-old Libby has had a very busy time raising money for Secondary1st. She spent her weekend climbing not one but two mountains in Wales. After weeks of training she started by climbing the 872 metres of Mount Siabod, and then moved on to the 1085 metres of Mount Snowdon. She achieved this amazing feat with
- [A Huge Thank You](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-huge-thank-you/) - We want to thank everyone who has raised money and donated to Secondary1st since it was launched in June 2016. Your fantastic efforts have raised over £500,000 towards the research that is so desperately needed to find more effective treatments for secondary breast cancer. You have raised money in so many different ways and we
- [2019 Grants](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/2019-grants/) - This year Secondary1st is awarding two research grants. Both are very relevant to secondary breast cancer. One grant goes to a team in Glasgow which is studying the relationship between cancer and the immune system and investigating how immune cells participate in the metastatic process leading to the development of new immunotherapies to counteract metastatic
- [2019 Grants](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/2019-grants-2/) - On 28th October Secondary1st presented two cheques to help fund research projects at the Beatson Institute at the University of Glasgow and the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics at the University of Bradford. The scientists leading these projects each gave a presentation explaining the nature of their work in some detail. In Glasgow Dr Seth Coffelt
- [40for40](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/40for40/) - Andrea’s sisters and best friend are planning to complete 40 challenges leading up to what would have been her 40th birthday next January. They have started by getting 40 people out together on a cold January morning. The next event will be a shoeathon, involving the wearing of 40 pairs of shoes each day, followed
- [40for40](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/40for40-2/) - Before the lockdown, Andrea’s sisters and best friend managed to add three more challenges to their 40for40 campaign in Andrea’s memory. These were the shoeathon, which involved wearing 40 pairs of shoes, a metafit class and a friend duathalon and they were held to raise money for Secondary1st and the Beatson Institute in Glasgow where
- [A message from Dr Klaus Pors](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-message-from-dr-klaus-pors/) - Dr Pors and his team at the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics at the University of Bradford received a grant from Secondary1st in October 2019, but the lab was closed for a large part of 2020. To mark World Cancer Day on February 4th he tweeted “We are developing tumour-targeted prodrugs & training the next generation
- [A More Efficient Treatment Method](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-more-efficient-treatment-method/) - The NHS in England is introducing a more efficient way of administering a treatment for HER2 positive early and metastatic breast cancer. The new treatment is called Phesgo and is a combination of Perjeta (pertuzumab) and Herceptin (trastuzumab), two monoclonal antibodies. Phesgo uses new ENHANZE technology to deliver a sub-cutaneous fixed dose injection which can
- [A Flash of Inspiration](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-flash-of-inspiration/) - https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/VID-20210914-WA0016.mp4 https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/received_279088097115120.mp4
- [A Message From Donna](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-message-from-donna/) - Donna lost her sister to secondary breast cancer in 2019. Six months later another sister was diagnosed with breast cancer; she went through treatment and is now back to life with her family. Donna found that she too was a carrier of a mutated BRCA gene so she took the brave decision to have a
- [A  Walk in the Park](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-walk-in-the-park/) - Staff and students from Francis Holland School Regent’s Park put on fancy dress and took part in a sponsored walk around Regent’s Park to raise money for Secondary1st. The weather was ideal to enjoy an autumn afternoon in the open air and the event raised just over £22,000 thanks to the generosity of everyone who
- [A Marathon Achievement](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-marathon-achievement/) - Kayleigh’s wonderful friend Brenna ran the London Marathon to raise funds for Secondary1st in memory of Kayleigh’s amazing Mum Kerry. Brenna was a true star and finished in the fantastic time of 3 hours 50 minutes, a superb achievement.
- [8 Years Old](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/8-years-old/) - We recently marked our 8th anniversary. Since our launch in 2016 we have raised more than £890,000 and, thanks to our wonderful volunteers, 95% of the money raised goes to fund research. We have already funded 3 projects researching secondary breast cancer and have just started funding a fourth project. The first of these projects
- [A Book Of Hope](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/a-book-of-hope/) - Seren is a drama therapist with a great deal of experience in helping people tackle their worries about chronic illness through creativity. She was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and decided that something needed to be done to help younger people with secondary cancer cope by means of writing, singing, art and poetry. Together with
- [Before my wife died she asked me to set up a cancer charity. Here’s why](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/before-my-wife-died-she-asked-me-to-set-up-a-cancer-charity-heres-why/) - On 16 June 2015 my beautiful, brilliant wife, Rosie Choueka, lost her brief battle with secondary breast cancer. She was 38 years old, a mother of two little children, a wife, a daughter and a hugely successful City lawyer. Rosie found a lump in her breast in June 2014. She had a lumpectomy and soon
- [Charity launched in memory of breast cancer victim Rosie Choueka](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/charity-launched-in-memory-of-breast-cancer-victim-rosie-choueka/) - A breast cancer charity launched this week in memory of a mum-of-two who succumbed to the disease. Rosie Choueka died in June last year aged 38, after losing her battle against breast cancer. In her memory, around 200 friends and family – together with celebrity patron Peter Capaldi – launched the charity Secondary1st on Tuesday
- [Care for incurable cancer is “second rate”](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/care-for-incurable-cancer-is-second-rate/) - This article was first published in the Times (15 July) and is written by Chris Smyth. Thousands of patients with incurable cancer are condemned to second-rate care, a report today warns. Patients are ignored by doctors, suffer delays in treatment and only get help when they go to A&E. Progress in treating early stage
- [Dad takes on cancer that took his wife](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/dad-takes-on-cancer-that-took-his-wife/) - This interview by Claire O'Reilly first appeared in The Sun on 12th July in the 'me' supplement. ELLIOT Choueka has launched the UK’s first charity to fund research into secondary breast cancer after losing wife Rosie, 38, in June last year. Secondary breast cancer is when cancer spreads to other areas of the body, and
- [Mail Online Health](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/mail-online-health/) - Secondary breast cancer kills 12,000 women each year in the UK. In 2015, it killed 38-year-old wife and mother-of-two Rosie Choueka. Her final wish was for a charity to be set up to research the disease, in which cancer spreads from the breast to other parts of the body. Secondary1st focuses entirely on raising funds
- [Quiz Night](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/quiz-night/) - A fun-filled quiz evening was organised by Andrea Pellegrini, one of the “cancer bitches” and her friends on 17th September. Everyone in the packed hall enjoyed trying to answer the questions, with a much-needed break for a fantastic supper with many opportunities to win the huge number of amazing raffle prizes.
- [Guitar auction for Secondary1st](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/guitar-auction-for-secondary1st/) - The guitar made by Melvyn Hiscock that was given to Jo Knell (Jojo Gingerhead), who was one of the seven 'cancer bitches' and died a month before Rosie (also one of the seven) was auctioned and raised £1000 for Secondary1st.
- [Secondary breast cancer: Martin Lewis pays tribute to friend in charity awareness bid](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary-breast-cancer-martin-lewis-pays-tribute-to-friend-in-charity-awareness-bid/) - Martin Lewis is backing a campaign to raise awareness for secondary breast cancer.
- [Brighton to London Cycling Event](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/brighton-to-london-cycling-event/) - On October 14th a team of 12 from Bristows including partners, trainees and associates set off in the morning and spent nearly 6 hours cycling from Brighton to London. At the same time indoor team cycled for 15 minute slots on Wattbikes – they matched the road conditions by setting some slots to a steep
- [Glasgow Fun Night](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/glasgow-fun-night/) - A fun night in a Glasgow hall was organised by five friends in memory of their friend Andrea. More than 150 people had a fantastic evening and raised more than £2300 for Secondary1st.
- [Coffee morning](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/coffee-morning/) - A coffee morning on October 21st gave everyone the chance to wear pink and eat pink cakes. It was a wonderful break from the usual Friday routine and raised £350 for Secondary1st.
- [Charity car wash in aid of Secondary1st](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/charity-car-wash-in-aid-of-secondary1st/) - Seren aged 9 and Morgan aged 7 took advantage of the sunshine on October 16th to hold a charity car wash in aid of Secondary1st. With a great deal of washing and polishing they raised £45.
- [Charity efforts provide hope as family adapts to mum's death](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/charity-efforts-provide-hope-as-family-adapts-to-mums-death/) - Elliot Choueka is in his kitchen. The table is a jumble of paperwork, a laptop and his phone, which flashes and beeps every few minutes. Behind the father-of-two is a noticeboard full of his children's achievements and reminders written in chalk to pack their PE clothes. He used to share the responsibility for remembering these things with his wife but today, as he prepares Friday night dinner, he is on his own. Mr Choueka lost his wife, Rosie, whose blog about battling breast cancer captured national attention, in June last year. Tomorrow would have been her 40th birthday.
- [Head shaved to raise money for Secondary1st](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/head-shaved-to-raise-money-for-secondary1st/) - Heather was moved by the experience of a family member who had undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer and had lost her hair. She decided to have her head shaved to raise money for Secondary1st. With the help of her daughter-in-law Annemarie and the support of her family and friends she has raised over £700.
- [I wanted to "do my bit"](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/i-wanted-to-do-my-bit/) - February last, I lost my daughter at the age of just 32 to secondary breast cancer, after only 14 months from the first breast cancer diagnosis. Having found out that this can affect men as well as women I wanted to help by telling others of my daughters struggles and what they needed to do
- [Children's Read-a-Thon](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/childrens-read-a-thon/) - Dalia organised a read-a-thon for kids to encourage them to read as many books as possible throughout February and raise money For Secondary1st by asking everyone they know to sponsor them for every book they read. Learn more.
- [Champagne and sushi party raises £820](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/champagne-and-sushi-party-raises-820/) - Drawing on some of Rosie's favourite things, her friend Hannah organised a champagne and sushi party for 25 friends on 21st January and raised £820 for Secondary1st.
- [Knitting hedgehogs](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/knitting-hedgehogs/) - One of our supporters who has been living with secondary breast cancer has been knitting these beautiful hedgehogs and selling them to raise money for Secondary1st.
- [Baby shower fundraiser](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/baby-shower-fundraiser/) - Some friends who had a sweepstake at a baby shower chose Secondary1st to receive the money. One of their friends recently lost her Mum to secondary breast cancer and they felt that this is a cause dear to their hearts.
- [Running the London Marathon](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/running-the-london-marathon/) - Congratulations to Brian who trained for hours and hours through rain, ice and cold, fighting exhaustion and somehow finding the will to go on. Then he ran the London Marathon to raise money for Secondary1st. As he said: “Beating this horrible disease is something that needs to be done.
- [Bake sale fundraiser](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/bake-sale-fundraiser/) - Eliza held a bake sale at work to raise money for Secondary1st in memory of her good friend’s dear mother Caroline Norris, who fell victim to secondary breast cancer late last year.
- [Belfast Walk](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/belfast-walk/) - 50 people took part in the Belfast Walk in memory of their dear friend Laura, who died of secondary breast cancer last year, leaving her husband and four young children.
- [Belfast marathon](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/belfast-marathon/) - Twelve more of Laura’s friends ran in the Belfast marathon to raise money in her memory for Secondary1st. It was a truly remarkable tribute from all the walkers and runners
- [Author writes on with secondary breast cancer](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/author-writes-on-with-secondary-breast-cancer/) - Author Vanessa Lafaye, originally from Florida, has written two hit novels while going through treatment for secondary breast cancer. She was first diagnosed in 2009 and went through treatment. Then she was offered a contract for her novel “Summertime” but three months later the cancer came back. She had more treatment and her book was
- [Fashion Gala](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/fashion-gala/) - The Pink Petal Club, run by specialist breast care nurse Alina to provide support and a chance to meet socially, held a spectacular Fashion Gala at Elstree Cancer Centre by courtesy of Spire Bushey Hospital. The members of the club, all breast cancer patients, modelled occasion wear lent for the evening by Ariella at Brent
- [Fun Run](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/fun-run/) - A total of twenty-seven supporters took part in the Maccabi Fun Run at Allianz Park, running or walking either five kilometres or one kilometre in perfect weather. There was a Family Fun Zone with a bouncy castle and activities for the children, a Health and Wellbeing Hub and a very popular Food Court as well
- [Metastatic Breast Cancer Tissue Bank](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/metastatic-breast-cancer-tissue-bank/) - Secondary1st took part in the inaugural meeting of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Tissue Bank Advisory Group at Barts Cancer Institute. Professor Louise Jones, a Secondary1st Medical Patron and Professor of Breast Pathology at Barts Cancer Institute, explained the urgent need for tissue samples from secondary breast cancer tumours to enable researchers to study the spread
- [Individually tailored cancer treatments](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/individually-tailored-cancer-treatments/) - The Chief Medical Officer, Dame Sally Davies, has called in her annual report for every cancer patient to have genetic testing. This would lead to personalised treatments being designed for each individual patient. The 100,000 Genome Project has shown the importance of genetic testing in the development of personalised and therefore more effective treatments; genomics
- [More Hedgehogs](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/more-hedgehogs/) - Our wonderful supporter has knitted many more beautiful hedgehogs to sell, while living with secondary breast cancer. She has now raised an awesome total of £750 for Secondary1st.
- [Clare Lawley](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/clare-lawley/) - “I just feel very lucky” Clare is in her fabulous fifties, she is married to her second husband Rob and together they have 3 teenage sons. Tragically, Clare’s first husband Andy died suddenly and unexpectedly at a very young age just 8 weeks after they got married, before they had even got the wedding photos
- [Kim Feast](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/kim-feast/) - “My advice for friends and family is just to be there” Kim is 33 years old, married and has two boys aged 3 and 5. Kim was originally diagnosed with primary triple negative breast cancer in October 2014 when she was 30 years old and her youngest son was just 6 months old. She was
- [New study shows genetic sequencing can help understanding of secondary breast cancer](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/new-study-shows-genetic-sequencing-can-help-understanding-of-secondary-breast-cancer/) - The newly published results of a study conducted by scientists at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and their collaborators show that metastatic breast cancer cells leave the primary tumour at late stages of disease development. Most of the research into breast cancer has focused on primary breast cancer and there is still little understanding of
- [Healthy Recipe Competition Sept 2017](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/healthy-recipe-competition-sept-2017/) - Do you have any go-to healthy and delicious recipes? Dishes that make you feel good? Enter our competition for a chance to share your food and win a Secondary1st t-shirt. Just comment directly on the Secondary1st Facebook competition post with your own recipe of a delicious, healthy food, drink, meal or snack. Terms & conditions
- [Bristows staff walk 25km along the River Thames](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/bristows-staff-walk-25km-along-the-river-thames/) - After a cupcake sale in their offices during the week, on Saturday 9 September a team of intrepid Bristows staff embarked on a 25km walk along the River Thames from Bristows’ offices at 100 Victoria Embankment, alongside the river and canals, to Canary Wharf. Then they crossed over the river to Greenwich and ended at
- [Half Marathon fund raise](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/half-marathon-fund-raise/) - Hannah took part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon on October 8th to raise money for Secondary1st. Research into secondary breast cancer to enable scientists to develop more effective treatments is a cause very close to her heart. She was one of 16,000 runners in the ninth half marathon covering 13.1 miles through four of
- [Peter Capaldi, our patron, presents a cheque for £75,000](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/peter-capaldi-our-patron-presents-a-cheque-for-75000/) - On October 9th Peter Capaldi, star of “Doctor Who” and Patron of Secondary1st presented a cheque for £75,000 to help fund pioneering research into secondary breast cancer. Professor Andrew Tutt of King’s College and the Institute of Cancer Research described the need “to understand how the process of metastasis hijacks normal biology” in order to
- [Author Vanessa Lafaye talks of her determination to live life to the full while dying.](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/author-vanessa-lafaye-talks-of-her-determination-to-live-life-to-the-full-while-dying/) - Vanessa has written two hit novels and is now working on her third book. She has secondary breast cancer which has spread to her brain, liver and lung. In an article in the Daily Mail on 26th October she talks of her determination to live life to the full and let hope help to carry
- [Lausanne Marathon](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/lausanne-marathon/) - Sisters Imogen and Fran ran the Lausanne Marathon and managed to finish together in the amazing time of 3:38:51. They wanted to raise money for research into better treatments for secondary breast cancer in memory of their mother, who died from the disease a year ago. They were encouraged by very generous donations from family
- [Coffee Morning](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/coffee-morning-2/) - Sylvia organised a coffee morning to raise funds for Secondary1st in memory of a good friend who had died from secondary breast cancer. 38 people came and enjoyed the morning; they raised more than £400 for Secondary1st.
- [Wearing pink to school](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/wearing-pink-to-school/) - An entire school wore pink one day this month to raise funds for Secondary1st at the request of one of the mothers who is a secondary breast cancer patient. They also did face painting and sold cakes, many of which were pink, and unicorn poo.
- [Another Night of Fun in Glasgow](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/another-night-of-fun-in-glasgow/) - After their fantastic fun night last year, Andrea’s family and friends held an amazing Halloween party in her memory to raise funds for Secondary1st. Everyone there enjoyed a great night, and they raised over £1200 to help make a difference and find more effective treatments for secondary breast cancer.
- [NICE approves two new drugs](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/nice-approves-two-new-drugs/) - NICE (The National Institute For Health and Care Excellence) has announced that two new breast cancer drugs, palbociclib (Ibrance) and ribociclib (Kisqali), are to be made available to NHS patients in England. These have been licensed as first-line treatments for post-menopausal patients with HR positive and HER2 negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer and
- [Charlie’s Story](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/charlies-story/) - "I would say to anyone else in my position, that we might be incurable but we’re still important. Take time for yourself” Charlie is 39 years old and lives in Camberwell, South East London. She is a property lawyer at Winckworth Sherwood and has 3 lovely cats, Charlie was diagnosed with triple negative stage 3
- [Meet Michaela, Our Secondary1st Researcher](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/meet-michaela-our-secondary1st-researcher/) - Dr Michaela Lesjak is our Secondary1st Researcher, working in Dr Claire Wells’ lab at King’s College London. Funded by a Secondary1st grant, Dr Lesjak will investigate how breast cancer cells break away from the primary tumour, invade into the surrounding tissue and then spread through the body to other major organs, where they eventually form
- [Pink Petal Club Carol Concert](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/pink-petal-club-carol-concert/) - Alina organised a fantastic carol concert for the ladies of the Pink Petal Club at Elstree Cancer Centre. Everyone there also enjoyed wonderful mince pies and home-made pastries and contributed to a collection in aid of Secondary1st.
- [Shenley Chanukah Party](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/shenley-chanukah-party/) - Rebbitzin Tanya arranged a fabulous ladies’ Chanukah party. Everyone had the chance to decorate their own piece of ceramics before enjoying some wonderful refreshments and the thrill of a raffle with a huge collection of the most amazing prizes in aid of Secondary1st.
- [Victory in the Office Quiz](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/victory-in-the-office-quiz/) - After a hard-fought contest through rounds with some really brain-stretching questions, the winners celebrated their victory in the office quiz. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone there and raised over £500 for Secondary1st.
- [School Charity Day](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/school-charity-day/) - A local school held a Charity Day in aid of Secondary1st. Stalls offered a variety of attractions from new and second-hand books to popcorn, snacks and drinks. Held during the lunch break, almost £400 was raise in less than an hour.
- [Pauline’s story: “Let the tears come, as they will! Try to let people in, to help support you”](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/paulines-story-let-the-tears-come-as-they-will-try-to-let-people-in-to-help-support-you/) - Pauline lives in West Sussex; she is married to Carl and they have two children. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. “Let the tears come, as they will! Try to let people in, to help support you” My name is Pauline, I live in West Sussex and am married to Carl. We have
- [Champagne and sushi party 2018](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/champagne-and-sushi-party-2018/) - Hannah, who was Rosie’s friend from the age of eleven on, held another fabulous champagne and sushi evening to raise money for Secondary1st. Everyone had a great time, enjoyed the amazing food and contributed very generously to the charity.
- [The Rosie Conversation 2018](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-rosie-conversation-2018/) - Bristows LLP and WILL (Women in Law London) organised the “Rosie Conversation 2018” in the week of International Women’s Day to discuss Women, Diversity and the Courts. Her Honour Judge Anne Molyneux and Her Honour Judge Melissa Clarke were joined by Professor Erika Rackley in a conversation facilitated by Alexandra Marks CBE, which ranged over
- [Victoria’s Story](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/victorias-story/) - Victoria was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2014 followed by a rigorous course of treatment. To celebrate a significant birthday last December she compiled a wish list of things she wants to do, including mountain climbing. She doesn’t believe in doing things by halves, so she has decided to climb the three highest mountains
- [Gold in Cheltenham](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/gold-in-cheltenham/) - A group of 18 children and 18 adults got together to honour the memory of a dear friend who had recently died of secondary breast cancer. During Cheltenham Gold Cup week they worked incredibly hard to bake cakes and then sold them every afternoon from 5 o’clock. They raised more than £2.400; it was a
- [Team 27’s Cycle Mission](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/team-27s-cycle-mission/) - On May 13th Team 27, a group of 11 to 12 year-olds, will set out on the 10 mile St. Albans charity cycle ride, accompanied by quite a few of their parents. The ride starts at Oaklands College, the home of St. Albans Hockey Club and the team aims to enjoy riding through the Hertfordshire
- [Zumbathon](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/zumbathon/) - On 22nd April Amersham Zumba and Chesham Zumba got together and hosted a marathon zumbathon to raise money for Secondary1st. Over 200 people enjoyed two and a half hours of fantastic music and dancing led by twelve awesome Zumba instructors, each with their own style. There was a raffle with amazing prizes, great food and
- [Your Privacy](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/your-privacy/) - Secondary1st has amended its Privacy Policy to take account of the GDPR regulations which come into force on 25th May 2018. We ask you to read through our new Privacy Policy; you will find the link to it at the bottom of each page of our website.
- [Secondary1st Readathon](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary1st-readathon/) - Secondary1st is organising a Readathon for children and grown-ups to mark National Bookstart Week and celebrate the joys of reading. Between 27th May and 10th June just read as many books as you can enjoy and ask your family and friends to sponsor you to raise money for Secondary1st. Download our sponsorship form here.
- [Pink Petal Club Fashion Gala](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/pink-petal-club-fashion-gala/) - The wonderful Alina, a specialist breast care nurse, organised another spectacular Fashion Gala with the amazing ladies of the Pink Petal Club at the Elstree Cancer Centre. The members of the Club, who have all been treated for breast cancer at Spire Bushey Hospital, modelled beautiful evening dresses loaned for the occasion by Abbelle of
- [Third anniversary](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/third-anniversary/) - June 16th was the third anniversary of Rosie’s death. She would have been so proud of all the volunteers, fundraisers and supporters who have contributed so much to Secondary1st. We know how important it is to go on working together to find a better way of dealing with secondary breast cancer so more people can
- [Fun Run](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/fun-run-2/) - In the heat of a sunny June day 15 runners and walkers took part in this year’s Maccabi Fun Run at the Allianz Stadium and were sponsored to raise funds for Secondary1st. They were among the 2,650 people who took part and were also able to enjoy the busy Charity Fair and the family entertainment
- [Katie’s Story by her Mother](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/katies-story-by-her-mother/) - Katie started as Head of Music of a school in Maidenhead in September 2016; she was 29 years old. It was at the end of October that she discovered a lump in her left breast and went straight away to have it checked out. The doctors took all the right procedures but did reassure her
- [Crispin ‘s 45 km open water swim](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/crispin-s-45-km-open-water-swim/) - Crispin is a self-proclaimed recovering journalist who is still drawn to communicating the human experience for the greater good all around the world. He also humbly describes himself as “a mid-life crisis marathon swimmer” who is “average at best,” and “has the habit of setting himself crazy goals from a position of complete ignorance.” He
- [Walk for Sue](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/walk-for-sue/) - Nine friends who had met through their children over eight years ago walked a total of 40 miles to celebrate and honour Sue, who had been a founder member of the walking group. She was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and very sadly passed away last year. Her friends walked from Wotton Under Edge to
- [Report from Dr Wells](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/report-from-dr-wells/) - Dr Wells and her Research Associate Dr Michaela Lesjak, this year’s Secondary1st Researcher, are dedicated to unravelling the complex cellular process that drives breast cancer to spread. They want to identify the interactions happening inside cancer cells that promote their ability to move and invade other tissues. This means they are interested in finding the
- [Walking round in a circle](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/walking-round-in-a-circle/) - 21 members of staff at Winckworth Sherwood set out and walked the 15 miles round the Circle Line of the London tube to raise money for Secondary1st. The first group managed to complete the course in 5 hours 39 minutes, but most people took over 6 hours to finish. There were lots of blisters and
- [Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Psychpomp](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/breast-cancer-awareness-month-at-psychpomp/) - Psychopomp Microdistillery is a small independent distillery in Bristol which makes craft-distilled gin in small batches and limited quantities using small hand-made copper pots. To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month they held a charity cocktail event and served three specially designed melon-themed drinks. The bartenders and staff donated their time and all the money raised
- [Tea and awareness](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/tea-and-awareness/) - The amazing Alina organised a teaching session on breast awareness and self-examination during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She emphasised the importance of knowing your own body and regular self-examination, as early detection is vital. The evening was enhanced by music and song. Spire Bushey Hospital generously hosted the event at the Elstree Cancer Centre and
- [Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary-breast-cancer-awareness-day/) - Secondary1st was proud to mark Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day on 13th October. Our mission is to raise funds for more research into secondary breast cancer so that people will have more days doing what matters most, and daughters, mothers, fathers and sons will keep on living a life they love. It’s time to put
- [Peter Capaldi presents Our 2018 Grant](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/peter-capaldi-presents-our-2018-grant/) - https://youtu.be/gfTUsb7yZns On 15th October our Celebrity Patron Peter Capaldi presented a cheque for £75,000 to help fund the research project led by Dr Claire Wells at King’s College London. Dr Wells is Leader of the Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis Group at Kings College; she and her team are investigating how breast cancer cells
- [Coffee Morning](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/coffee-morning-3/) - A group of friends did something really different one Friday morning. They had a great deal of fun wearing pink, eating cake and drinking coffee. They also raised more than £350 for Secondary1st.
- [The Rosie Choueka Memorial Essay Prize](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-rosie-choueka-memorial-essay-prize/) - The Procurement Lawyers’ Association recently celebrated the award of the 2017-8 Rosie Choueka Memorial Essay Prize. Their Annual Essay Competition was established in memory of Rosie, who was a member of the PLA Executive Committee and is for young lawyers who are asked to submit an essay of 2,000-3,000 words on a specific public procurement
- [Pink Petal Club Carol Concert](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/pink-petal-club-carol-concert-2/) - Alina organised a carol concert for the ladies of the Pink Petal Club at Elstree Cancer Centre, by courtesy of Spire Bushey Hospital. The warm and friendly atmosphere was enhanced by the Christmas decorations as well as mince pies and cakes.
- [Christmas Fair](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/christmas-fair/) - Winckworth Sherwood held a fun-filled Christmas Fair in aid of Secondary1st. Stalls featured books, DVDs, Christmas decorations, cards and jewellery, as well as mulled wine and fantastic cakes and buns. There were competitions for the best cake, the best Christmas jumper, the number of sweets in a jar, and a raffle with so many wonderful
- [Slime…..](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/slime/) - A group of young friends got together to enjoy a “slime-off” party. The 10-year-old organiser explained: "On the last day of term I had a slime party to raise money for Secondary1st. I wanted to do this because my grandmother and my brother's friend's mum's best friend died of secondary breast cancer. I was inspired
- [Claire Wells End of Year Update 2018](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/claire-wells-end-of-year-update-2018/) - For breast cancer cells to spread around the body, they first need to invade tissues which surround the tumour. It is thought that breast cancer cells do this by reducing proteins which cause breast cancer cells to stick together and increasing proteins which help breast cancer cells to move around the body. Dr Wells and
- [Birthday Fundraiser](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/birthday-fundraiser/) - Harriet held a birthday fundraiser to celebrate her special day and raise more money for Secondary1st in honour of her mother Sue. There were games and quizzes and lots of wonderful food. The party was a great success enjoyed by all her family and friends, and collected over £800 for Secondary1st.
- [Hip Hop Hoedown in Swansea](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/hip-hop-hoedown-in-swansea/) - 550 people came to Brangwyn Hall in Swansea on a Saturday night for the Funk Soul Hip Hop Hoedown organised by Sam and her friends to raise money for Secondary1st. The amazing music was provided by The Sons of Pitches, with DJ Jared Percival followed by The Mudskippers and then the Cuban Brothers; for those
- [New Study into Molecular Nature of Breast Cancer](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/new-study-into-molecular-nature-of-breast-cancer/) - A research study in the journal “Nature” confirms that breast cancer is 11 separate diseases, each with a different possible progression. Scientist at the Universities of Cambridge led by Professor Carlos Caldas in collaboration with Professor Christina Curtis at Stanford analysed the genetic mutations inside the breast tumours of nearly 2000 women to create a
- [On-line Donation Site](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/on-line-donation-site/) - Following the news that MyDonate, the online donation site operated by BT, will close on 30th June 2019 we recommend that fundraisers and donors consider using Virgin Money Giving as it is completely free for them and only makes a very small charge to Secondary1st. We are registered with Virgin Money Giving and the site
- [Fonthill Open Garden Party](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/fonthill-open-garden-party/) - Sunday 9th June 2019, 12 - 5pm Diane and Mary are organising a spectacular day of musical and spoken-word entertainment in the glorious setting of Fonthill House Gardens in aid of Secondary 1st. The Fonthill Garden Party will be set within the glorious gardens surrounding Fonthill House near Tisbury, Wiltshire, thanks to the generosity of
- [London Marathon 2019](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/london-marathon-2019/) - Three fantastic fundraisers ran the 26.2 miles of this year’s London Marathon to raise money for Secondary1st. They were among more than 42,000 who set out from Blackheath and Greenwich Park through the City to the finish in the Mall. Fran and Imogen won their places after finishing in a qualifying time in the 2017
- [Bristol 10k](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/bristol-10k/) - Donna was not a runner but when her sister, a 33 year-old with three young children, was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer she made up her mind to take part in the Bristol 10k to raise money for Secondary1st. With the help of her good friend Lindsay she started training and over the weeks leading
- [MK Half Marathon](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/mk-half-marathon/) - Michele decided to mark a special birthday and raise money for Secondary1st because her sister had been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. She hadn’t done any distance running for a while but trained really hard and ran the Leighton Buzzard 10k at the end of March, finishing in a really good time. Feeling so encouraged
- [Charity Cycle Ride](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/charity-cycle-ride/) - A team of riders took part in this year’s 25th Anniversary St. Alban’s Charity Cycle Ride to raise money for Secondary1st. They were among nearly 800 people who cycled from 10 to 40 miles through the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside and enjoyed the good weather. Secondary1st is fortunate to have been chosen by the three St.
- [Fonthill Garden Party](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/fonthill-garden-party/) - The beautiful gardens at Fonthill were the setting for a fantastic garden party organised by Diane and Mary with a whole crowd of family and friends who volunteered to help, together with sponsorship for the event from local firms Shearwell Data, Velcourt and Maycreation. The generosity of Lord Margadale and his staff in opening the
- [Jurassic Coast Walk](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/jurassic-coast-walk/) - Three brave walkers undertook the Jurassic Coast Challenge, a 100km continuous walk along the spectacular coastline from Poole, via Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Weymouth and Chesil beach to Bridport. They walked for 48 hours to raise funds for Secondary1st in memory of their great friend Jo.
- [Pink Petal Club Fashion Gala](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/pink-petal-club-fashion-gala-2/) - The amazing Alina, a wonderful specialist breast cancer nurse, organised her seventh annual Pink Petal Club Fashion Gala at the Elstree Cancer Centre, by courtesy of Bushey Spire Hospital who also generously provided the delicious refreshments. The ladies of the Pink Petal Club looked gorgeous in occasion dresses from Abbelle as they paraded in front
- [JH Mechanical Services Ltd](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/jh-mechanical-services-ltd/) - We are delighted that JH Mechanical Services Ltd, a leading provider of mechanical, electrical and water management services across the North of England, has chosen to support Secondary1st for the next year. Our mission to find more effective treatments for secondary breast cancer is very close to the hearts of those at JH Mechanical as
- [Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/yorkshire-3-peaks-challenge/) - 26 people are training hard in preparation for the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge. This is a 24-mile hike over three mountains, Pen-y-ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m), reaching each summit. They aim to complete it in 11 hours or less, which is not for the faint-hearted. They are family and friends who are walking
- [Selby College Bake-Off](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/selby-college-bake-off/) - Staff and students at Selby College tested their baking skills by taking part in this year’s Great Selby College Bake-Off. They brought their home-baked delicacies in to college to compete for the titles of Best Large Cake and Best Tray-Bake. After the judging everything was sold in the college’s training restaurant to raise money for
- [Tollers Solicitors](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/tollers-solicitors/) - Tollers is proud to have chosen Secondary1st to be its charity of the year from 1st April 2019. Tollers is a regional law firm with offices in in Northampton, Corby, Kettering, Milton Keynes, Stevenage, Kempston, Oakham & Uppingham. Tollers’ link with Secondary1st is through Alex Gill, conveyancing assistant. Very sadly, Alex’s sister Charlie passed away
- [Marathon des Sables](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/marathon-des-sables/) - This ultramarathon is held over six days and covers a distance of 251km or 156 miles in six stages; it is roughly equivalent to six “regular” marathons and is open to runners and walkers. The longest single stage is 91km or 57 miles and it takes place in the heat of the Sahara Desert in
- [Cakes in the Office](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/cakes-in-the-office/) - Neil works for Refinitiv in their Nottingham office where he organised a fantastic cake sale in honour of his friend Jadi. Colleagues set to work and produced lots of delicious goodies which raised a wonderful £357, which will be matched by a donation from Refinitiv, making a total of £714 for Secondary1st.
- [Yorkshire 3 Peaks](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/yorkshire-3-peaks/) - The team of Jackie’s friends and family completed this year’s Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge in the amazing time of 11 hours 40 minutes after weeks of training and preparation. This was a 24-mile hike over Pen-y-ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m). They took on this daunting challenge for Jackie who was diagnosed with breast
- [Coffee Morning](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/coffee-morning-4/) - Ellen and her Mum organised a coffee morning to raise money for Secondary1st. Everyone who came had a great time and the morning raised over £1000.
- [Head Shave](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/head-shave/) - Anne and Paul arranged a sponsored head shave to raise money for Secondary1st in honour of Anne’s sister Mary. They both looked really great with their new hairstyles and raised £3000 for vital research. There was a great turn out at The Boat Inn which hosted the event so well. Audrey and Sally helped coordinate
- [Harold Hill Charity Disco](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/harold-hill-charity-disco/) - Vikki is organising a great fun-filled disco at Harold Hill Community centre in Essex. She wants to raise as much money as possible for the charities that are helping her Mum, who has been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. It will be on 7-12pm Saturday 09 November 2019. Tickets are £10 for Adults, Kids are
- [Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary-breast-cancer-awareness-day-2/) - We want to mark Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day, 13th October 2019, by telling people about this disease and the need for more research to find better treatments, so that women and men can go on living the lives they love with their families and friends.
- [They did eat cake!](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/they-did-eat-cake/) - JH Mechanical Services Limited, who have adopted Secondary1st as their Charity of the Year, ate cakes for a day to mark Breast Cancer Awareness and raise funds for the Charity. They found that cakes for breakfast and lunch are a great way to mark a special day.
- [Another Marathon Medal](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/another-marathon-medal/) - The wonderful Jane ran the Amsterdam Marathon six months after her daughter Heather finished the London Marathon. The two fantastic ladies completed the two Marathons to raise money for Secondary1st.
- [Charity Disco](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/charity-disco/) - Vikki organised a disco at the Harold Hill Community Centre in Essex to raise funds. The event was sold out, the hall was full and everyone had a great time. Vikki did a fantastic job and raised more than £1000 for Secondary1st.
- [Dinner and Ball](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/dinner-and-ball/) - JH Mechanical Services of Stockton-on-Tees organised a Black Tie Dinner in aid of Secondary1st. The evening was hosted by John Foster, the radio presenter, and music for dancing was provided by Carl, Jason and Adam of V12. All the guests contributed most generously to the raffle which offered lots of amazing prizes and there was
- [Amazon](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/amazon/) - Please remember that purchases made on Amazon Smile cost the same as items bought on the main Amazon site and using Amazon Smile will get Amazon to donate to Secondary1st with no charge to the buyer or the Charity. The link is https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1165614-0
- [Coffee Morning](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/coffee-morning-5/) - Ruth arranged a coffee morning for lots of friends to raise money for Secondary1st. It was a great break from the morning routine and everyone had a lovely time together.
- [Procurement Lawyers’ Association Annual Dinner and Prize Giving](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/procurement-lawyers-association-annual-dinner-and-prize-giving/) - The Inaugural Annual Dinner of the Procurement Lawyers’ association was held in the ballroom of the Lansdowne Club. The Guest of Honour was the Lord Justice Coulson, accompanied by Sue Arrowsmith Q.C., Achilles Professor of Public Procurement Law and Policy at the University of Nottingham, and Peter Bennett, Senior Policy Adviser at the Cabinet Office.
- [Festive Coffee Morning](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/festive-coffee-morning/) - Hannah organised a coffee morning to celebrate the festive season and sold lots and lots of the fantastic snowmen which her mother-in-law had made and donated for Secondary1st. The morning raised about £650. Everyone had a great time and the snowmen each found a new home where they could be loved and admired.
- [Virtual Challenge](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/virtual-challenge/) - Sarah has set up a virtual challenge to raise money for Secondary1st at https://facebook.com/events/533644610793103/?ti=as. Everyone who takes part can decide to walk, run, cycle or swim either 13, 26 or 39 miles and choose where and when to complete the challenge, which can be split into as few or as many sessions as they want.
- [Table Top Sale](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/table-top-sale/) - Ellen was so encouraged by the success of the coffee morning she and her mum had arranged in August that she organised a table top sale of seasonal goodies. The cakes, buns and coffee with a great raffle and raised another £900 for Secondary1st.
- [Christmas Drinks](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/christmas-drinks/) - Eleanor and her twin sister organised a Christmas drinks party for lots of friends. It was a fantastic start to the festive season and the twins were thrilled to discover that they have raised over £900 for Secondary1st.
- [World Cancer Day 2020](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/world-cancer-day-2020/) - Tuesday 4th February is World Cancer Day. this year marks the midpoint of a three year campaign to increase global awareness of cancer and reduce its global impact.
- [Storming ahead](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/storming-ahead/) - Deborah had signed up for the London Winter Run to raise money for Secondary1st in memory of her late mother, who had passed away ten years ago. Storm Ciara forced the organisers to cancel the event but Deborah refused to be beaten by the weather. Two days later she completed a 10 km run on
- [New international research investigates the cancer genome](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/new-international-research-investigates-the-cancer-genome/) - 1300 researchers have worked for ten years to explore the entire cancer genome. Their results suggest that some cancers could be predicted through DNA mutations that occur many years before the cancers make patients ill. The Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes Consortium involved researchers from 37 countries who examined 47 million genetic changes in over
- [Gene-editing trial](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/gene-editing-trial/) - Researchers in the US have successfully conducted the first small-scale clinical trial to test a gene-editing treatment for cancer. They extracted t-cells, which are immune cells, from three cancer patients and edited their DNA with Crispr-Cas9, a powerful tool which works like molecular scissors to remove with great precision part of the cells’ genetic code
- [Amazon Smile](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/amazon-smile/) - While everyone is encouraged to stay at home as much as possible and so many shops are closed more people are turning to on-line shopping. AmazonSmile makes no charge to the buyer, provides the same products at the same prices as Amazon and will donate 0.5% of the net purchase price (excluding VAT, returns and
- [Still running](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/still-running/) - Michele planned to run a half-marathon and then a marathon this year after taking part in a 10k and a half-marathon in 2019 to raise money for Secondary1st. When both of this year’s events were postponed because of the Coronavirus she refused to sit back and managed to run a half-marathon around her garden in
- [Take Three Girls](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/take-three-girls/) - The theatre company “Take Three Girls” toured Exmoor performing Alan Bennett’s “Her Big Chance” and publicising the work of the charity to raise money for Secondary1st in honour of the late Mary Richards. “Her Big Chance” is from the “Talking Heads” series of dramatic monologues and is the story of Lesley, an aspiring actress, who,
- [An important message from The Trustees](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/an-important-message-from-the-trustees/) - As Trustees of Secondary1st we want to send our very best wishes to all our supporters and fundraisers and assure everyone that Secondary1st is in a stable financial position. We will survive through the current situation and emerge ready to continue funding vital research into secondary breast cancer when life returns to normal.
- [The 2.6 Challenge](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-2-6-challenge/) - On Sunday 26th April, the date planned for the 2020 London Marathon, there is the opportunity for everyone to take up the 2.6 Challenge. This is a nationwide event inviting people all over the UK to take part in an activity based around 2.6 or 26 while following the social distancing guidelines and at the
- [Angela’s Challenge](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/angelas-challenge/) - Angela had been treated for breast cancer in 2007 but was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer at the end of 2019. She wanted to raise money for research into the disease and decided to take part in the 2.6 challenge for Secondary1st. She dug out her old cross-trainer and found that she could manage a
- [Angela Did It!](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/angela-did-it/) - Angela had decided to take part in the 2.6 Challenge which started on 26th April, the date planned for the London Marathon, to raise money for Secondary1st. She had been treated for breast cancer in 2009 and then diagnosed with secondary breast cancer at the end of 2019. She found her old cross-trainer and was
- [Lemonade for Sale](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/lemonade-for-sale/) - 7 year-old Ruby wanted to raise money for Secondary1st in honour of her Auntie Charlie. So she set up a stall selling homemade lemonade at 50p a cup…. and raised a fantastic £100.
- [Magical Journey](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/magical-journey/) - Poppy was born and brought up in Cornwall. She was a talented actress and went to train at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. After some early success she returned to Cornwall to begin a new career as a business woman, then got married and had two children. However she was diagnosed with secondary breast
- [Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary-breast-cancer-awareness-day-3/) - Tuesday 13th October is officially Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day. But for us every day is secondary breast cancer awareness day. We always aim to put secondary breast cancer first, at the top of our list. We want more people to know about secondary breast cancer. And we want them to help raise the money
- [Amazon Smile](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/amazon-smile-2/) - In these unusual times more and more people are turning to online shopping. Amazon Smile has the same range of products and costs no more to use than the original Amazon site, but it donates a percentage of the money it receives to charities, so it is an easy way to help Secondary1st .
- [Pink Pies in Singapore](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/pink-pies-in-singapore/) - The Gourmet Pie Company in Singapore are baking pink pies and holding special pie tasting parties to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They will donate a percentage of their sales to Secondary1st, but please note that the pies are only available in Singapore.
- [Cake Raffle in Hampshire](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/cake-raffle-in-hampshire/) - Kelly got together with her friend Danielle, who runs a cake business, to raise money for Secondary1st during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They are holding a cake raffle with tickets available until the end of October. The prize, a delicious professionally produced cake with a design to be chosen by the winner, will be awarded
- [Secondary1st Research Grant](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary1st-research-grant/) - Thanks to our wonderful Donors and Fundraisers Secondary1st has been able to make a second grant of £65,000 to the research project led by Dr Seth Coffelt at the Beatson Institute at the University of Glasgow. Dr Coffelt and his team are investigating the role of a type of immune cell called gamma delta T
- [Sharon’s story](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/sharons-story/) - Sharon was 45 when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She was immediately booked in for a single mastectomy, followed by a course of chemo sessions and radiotherapy. On the day of her surgery when she came round from the general anaesthetic, the first thing she asked for was her lip gloss and
- [Tailored Treatments](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/tailored-treatments/) - NHS England has announced that it is rolling out a new blood test which aims to detect whether some cancer patients are genetically prone to experience more serious effects from some chemotherapy treatments. These treatments can then be tailored more closely to the patients’ genetic makeup and so avoid the most serious side effects. Drugs
- [More Challenges for Tracey](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/more-challenges-for-tracey/) - Tracey started 2020 with plans to take part in a number of events to raise more money for Secondary1st. She completed the 50km Winter Walk in London and was training for the 50km Easter Walk around Windsor, but it was cancelled because of the pandemic so she completed a virtual 50km challenge and booked in
- [Up in the Air](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/up-in-the-air/) - Tim is planning to do something he’s never done before to raise funds for Secondary1st and increase awareness of secondary breast cancer; he’s going to skydive 10,000 feet from a plane. It will take about 15 minutes for the plane to reach its planned altitude. When he leaves the plane Tim will be in freefall
- [Tim did it](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/tim-did-it/) - The sun was shining in a clear blue sky when Tim jumped... out of a plane 3 miles up. It had taken about 12 minutes for the Cessna Super Cargomaster to climb to the correct altitude. Then Tim and his tandem skydive instructor Alex were out in freefall, reaching a speed of 125 mph for
- [The 10.500 mile Challenge](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-10-500-mile-challenge/) - JH Mechanical Services are most generously continuing to raise funds for Secondary1st as their chosen charity. From the beginning of April to the end of October each member of their team will take on the “Walk 500 Challenge” and walk or run 500 miles to raise money for research into secondary breast cancer. Added together
- [Good Results From Parp Inhibitor Trial](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/good-results-from-parp-inhibitor-trial/) - A drug trial for Olaparib, also known as Lynparza, has shown good results for women with breast cancer who have faulty variants in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. In the trial 85.9% of women given Olaparib for one year after the end of treatment showed no return of the cancer for three years, compared with77.1% of
- [Another Challenge For David](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/another-challenge-for-david/) - He planned to cycle 1000km in thirty days in the heat and humidity of Singapore to raise money for Secondary1st. In the first two days he covered more than 80 km so he was well on track to complete his challenge. Then a sudden flare-up of a health issue meant that David had to have
- [Challenges for Heather](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/challenges-for-heather/) - Each member of the team from JH Mechanical Services has been challenged to walk or run 500 miles in the seven months between the beginning of April and the end of October to raise money for Secondary1st. Heather completed her 500 miles in less than eleven weeks. Then last weekend she and her friend Fiona
- [Five Years On](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/five-years-on/) - This week marks the fifth anniversary of the launch of Secondary1st. In all that time we have been consistently amazed by the wonderful support we have received. This has enabled us to make five significant grants to research projects investigating different approaches to finding more effective treatments for secondary breast cancer; they can be found
- [David Takes Up His Challenge Again](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/david-takes-up-his-challenge-again/) - David had to postpone his plan to cycle 1000km in in thirty days through Singapore because of a health problem. Now he is fully recovered and feeling fit and well he intends to start again on July 1st. He is back into training hard and covered 36.46 km this morning despite the heat and humidity.
- [David Reaches the Halfway Mark](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/david-reaches-the-halfway-mark/) - To mark the halfway point in his cycle challenge to cover 1000km in thirty days David rode 50.05km on day 15 to add to his already impressive total. In the first fifteen days he has covered a total of 593.28km and spent 27 hours and 47 minutes in the saddle, all in the high humidity
- [Breast Day Ever](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/breast-day-ever/) - Kayleigh and co are hosting a fundraising day in aid of Secondary1st on 7th August in Totton, Hampshire. They will have food, stalls, games, raffles and good fun. They want to make a difference by increasing awareness of secondary breast cancer and raising money for more research into the disease. The cause is very close
- [Brighton Here They Come](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/brighton-here-they-come/) - Having come back to earth after the thrill of his skydive in April Tim has been joined by Lyndell and Harry in preparation for the Brighton Marathon in September. They are training hard and have already been over the course, which starts in Preston Park, takes them along the coast road, through Hove and back
- [David Did It!](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/david-did-it/) - He was determined to cycle 1000km in the thirty days from July 1st but David actually did it with five days to spare. In 25 days he spent 47 hours on his cycle around the roads of Singapore to achieve his 1000km goal. It seems that is not enough for him; he intends to keep
- [David Just Kept Cycling](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/david-just-kept-cycling/) - His original plan was to cycle 1000km in thirty days but David completed his challenge five days early, so he added another 200km to his target. In fact, by the end of day 30, he had cycled more than 1219km in 34 rides through hot sun, humidity, wind and occasional thunder and burnt 40,000 calories,
- [Breast Day Ever](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/breast-day-ever-2/) - Kayleigh and friends organised the Breast Day Ever filled with fun, live music, games, an auction, a raffle and a fantastic barbecue. Everyone had a wonderful time and the day was a fantastic success raising over £9500 in aid of Secondary1st to help fund vital research into secondary breast cancer.
- [Harry in Training](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/harry-in-training/) - Harry has signed up to run in the Brighton Marathon on 12th September with Tim and Lyndell. Although marathon running is not his usual form of exercise he is training hard to raise funds for Secondary1st so that in the future people won’t have to suffer the physical or emotional effects of secondary breast cancer.
- [Walk for Dawn](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/walk-for-dawn/) - Dawn’s family and friends organised the Walk for Dawn in her memory. On 31st July 37 family members and friends got together to walk 10km and raised nearly £7000 for Secondary1st to help fund research into secondary breast cancer so that scientist can develop more effective treatments.
- [Lyndell in Training](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/lyndell-in-training/) - Lyndell has been training hard as she is taking part in the Brighton Marathon with her fellow runners Tim and Harry. A week ago she aimed to cover 14 miles but ended up running 19 miles. A few days later she met up with Tim and Harry and all three ran the full 26miles 385
- [The Young and The Breathless](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/the-young-and-the-breathless/) - This team of Tracey, Jacob and Sam will be taking part in the Thames Path Challenge on Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th September to raise more money for Secondary1st. The 100km route starts at Putney Bridge and heads upstream along the Thames towpath through Richmond, Hampton Court, Runnymede and Windsor to Henley. Tracey has
- [Brighton Superheroes](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/brighton-superheroes/) - Tim, Lyndell and Harry are looking forward to the Brighton Marathon on 12th September. The three superheroes will follow the 42.195km course from the start at Preston Park down to the seafront, passing Black Rock and the Brighton Marina, then turning back along the front to the Power Station and through Hove to the finish
- [Our Brighton Superheroes](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/our-brighton-superheroes/) - Tim, Lyndell and Harry did it in true Superhero style for Secondary1st. They each completed the full Marathon distance of 42.185 km plus the unexpected extra 568 metres added on by the organisers’ mistake in calculating the course distance, and finished in fantastic times. They found it a truly rewarding experience and their amazing costumes
- [Riding the Trans Pennine Trail](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/riding-the-trans-pennine-trail/) - Katie, Jenny and Kate are taking on a huge challenge to raise money for charity. Although they are not avid bikers they are aiming to cycle the Trans Pennine Trail, a distance of 206 miles across Northern England, in four days. The Trail starts in Stockport on the West Coast and continues through Liverpool, Warrington,
- [David Hands Over a Cheque](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/david-hands-over-a-cheque/) - After his magnificent fundraising ride in the tropical climate of Singapore, David handed over a cheque to help fund more research into secondary breast cancer. https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/david_grief.mp4
- [Secondary1st Announces 2021 Grants to Mark Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary1st-announces-2021-grants-to-mark-secondary-breast-cancer-awareness-day/) - On Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day thanks to the continuing support of our wonderful donors and amazing fundraisers and despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic, we are thrilled to announce that we will be making two grants to research projects in 2021. We are awarding a third grant of another £65,000 to the research
- [NHSE Audit of Secondary Breast Cancer](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/nhse-audit-of-secondary-breast-cancer/) - NHS England is to fund the first national secondary breast cancer audit to produce accurate information about the numbers living with this disease. The audit will also give insight into the needs and experiences of people living with metastatic breast cancer and so help to ensure that the treatment and care programmes and services needed
- [Tracey Walks Again](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/tracey-walks-again/) - Tracey is raising money for Secondary1st in memory of her close friend Jo Bartlett. This year Tracey has already completed the Virtual Easter 50 Challenge and the 100k Thames Path Challenge as one of “The Young and The Breathless” with Jacob and Sam. On 30th October she will be taking part in the 50k Halloween
- [Update From Dr Klaus Pors and Our PhD Student](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/update-from-dr-klaus-pors-and-our-phd-student/) - Dr Pors and Enrica, the PhD student working in his team at the University of Bradford whose first year was funded by a grant from Secondary1st, have provided this update on progress with their research project. Available for download. Project background Dr Klaus Pors and his PhD student at the University of Bradford are hoping
- [An Invitation to Celebrate and Wear Pink](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/an-invitation-to-celebrate-and-wear-pink/) - Rebbitzin Tanya arranged An Evening of Inspiration and Empowerment with help from some of the ladies in the community in aid of Secondary1st. All those coming to her Breast Cancer Awareness Event were invited to celebrate and wear pink, and learn more about breast cancer. Tanya, an advanced practice radiographer for the NHS Royal Free
- [Dr Seth Coffelt Update Dec 2021v1](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/dr-seth-coffelt-update-dec-2021v1/) - Understanding how the immune system can help breast cancer to spread Dr Seth Coffelt, The Beatson Institute, University of Glasgow An update report prepared for Secondary1st, in recognition of your generous grant funding, December 2021 Available for download. Background Despite the great progress made in improving breast cancer diagnosis and treatments over the last few
- [Professor Klaus Pors](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/professor-klaus-pors/) - We are delighted to report that Klaus Pors has been promoted to Professor of Chemical Biology at the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics at the University of Bradford. Professor Pors is leading the research team which includes Enrica, the PhD research student who has been funded for the past two years by Secondary1st, thanks to our
- [Personalised Cancer Vaccines](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/personalised-cancer-vaccines/) - With the knowledge gained from the mRNA vaccines generated for use against Coronavirus, scientists are working on the development of personalized cancer vaccines. They know that every tumour is different and are progressing vaccines that are specific to each tumour and can be trained to recognize cancer cells so that they trigger an immune response.
- [Lyndell Does It Again](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/lyndell-does-it-again/) - Last year Lyndell ran the Brighton Marathon dressed as a superhero. This year she has proved herself to be a real superhero by doing it again and running the 2022 Brighton Marathon in aid of Secondary1st.
- [Lucy, Lara, Anoushka, Alexander, Theo, Elica and Emily Go Cycling](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/lucy-lara-anoushka-alexander-theo-elica-and-emily-go-cycling/) - These intrepid riders are taking part in the 2022 St. Alban’s Charity Cycle Ride, organized by the three Rotary clubs of St. Alban’s, to raise money for Secondary1st. On Sunday 15th May they will start from Oaklands College Campus and cycle through some of the loveliest villages and most beautiful countryside of Hertfordshire. Although they
- [Carol goes Ziplining at Eighty](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/carol-goes-ziplining-at-eighty/) - On Sunday May 22nd, Carol will be riding the world’s fastest zip line in memory of her daughter, Nic. She will be joined on the zipline by Nolan and Ian and they will each reach speeds in excess of 100mph. Carol aims to become the world’s fastest octogenarian, albeit briefly! They hope to raise as
- [Walking the Wall](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/walking-the-wall/) - On 2nd August Catherine will set off from Wallsend, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria. She hopes to complete the 100km distance from coast to coast across Northern England in eight days to raise money for Secondary1st. The construction of Hadrian’s Wall began in 122 A.D. to guard the
- [NICE Approval for Two Breast Cancer Drugs](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/nice-approval-for-two-breast-cancer-drugs/) - Final draft guidance from NICE now recommends that two drugs to treat two different types of secondary or metastatic breast cancer be made available through the Cancer Drugs Fund. Piqray or alpelisib is a kinase inhibitor made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK. It is to be used with fulvestrant, the hormonal therapy, to treat hormone receptor
- [Walking the Wall](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/walking-the-wall-2/) - Catherine has spent weeks and weeks preparing for August 2nd when she will set off to walk the 100km length of Hadrian’s Wall east to west across the north of England from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway. She hopes to mark the 1900th anniversary of the Wall by completing her walk in eight days.
- [Over the Wall](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/over-the-wall/) - Catherine did it and more! She walked the length of Hadrian’s Wall and then walked on for another seventeen miles to raise money for Secondary1st. She crossed the country from Wallsend near Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway near Carlisle keeping any prevailing winds at her back to help her along her journey.
- [Marathon Preparations](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/marathon-preparations/) - Paul will be running the London Marathon on 2nd October to raise money for Secondary1st in memory of his sister-in-law Poppy. He has been training hard through the summer heat and completed an 18-mile run during the Bank Holiday weekend. He is planning 3 more long runs before Marathon Day.
- [Peak Performance](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/peak-performance/) - Ruth and Stu are preparing to fly to Nepal where they will take part in a 22-day expedition to the summit of Imja Tse, the Nepalese name of Island Peak. Imja Tse is 6200 metres high and is in the Sagarmatha National Park on the Himalayas of eastern Nepal. Island Peak received its English name
- [Another NICE Drug](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/another-nice-drug/) - In recently published draft guidance NICE has approved the routine use of another drug combination for some people with secondary breast cancer. Palbociclib, also known as Ibrance, is a targeted drug made by Pfizer and is now recommended in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of hormone receptor positive HER2 negative secondary breast cancer when
- [Some Good News at the End of the Year](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/some-good-news-at-the-end-of-the-year/) - At the University of Bradford in one of the projects funded by the wonderful donors and fundraisers of Secondary1st Professor Pors and his PhD student Enrica are continuing their work to improve duocarmycins, a very effective but highly toxic chemotherapy, so that they can be used to treat breast cancer. In the second year of
- [Some More Good News](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/some-more-good-news/) - Dr Coffelt and his team at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research in Glasgow in another project funded by Secondary1st’s fundraisers and donors are working to understand why existing immunotherapies are less effective in treating breast cancer than other cancer types. They recently published a report on a significant discovery that breast cancer immunotherapy could
- [Another NICE Story](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/another-nice-story/) - In June 2022 we reported that favourable results from a trial of a new cancer drug, Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan), had been presented at this year’s meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and had been published in the “New England Journal of Medicine”. Enhertu is a specifically engineered HER-2-directed antibody drug conjugate which has
- [Our Superhero Tim Runs Again](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/our-superhero-tim-runs-again/) - Not content with skydiving, running a marathon and organizing a fitness challenge to raise money for Secondary1st our superhero Tim ran in the Brighton Marathon and then after a gap of only three weeks he’s going to run in the London Marathon. He really is a superhero.
- [Nolan Comes to Land](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/nolan-comes-to-land/) - Last year Nolan rode a zipwire to raise money for Secondary1st. This year he’s planning to undertake a more down to earth challenge. In September he will cycle more than 1000 km, riding all the way from Land’s End to John O’Groats, travelling from one end of the country to the other. He is training
- [Superhero Tim Did It Again](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/superhero-tim-did-it-again/) - Just three weeks after finishing in the Brighton Marathon Superhero Tim completed the London Marathon. Marathons, skydiving, fitness challenges… there seems no end to the adventures Tim undertakes to raise money for Secondary1st. He is one of our all-time superheroes.
- [John: Another 3 Peaks Challenge](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/john-another-3-peaks-challenge/) - In 2020 in the middle of the pandemic Angela, who had been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer the previous year, completed the 2.6 challenge by walking for 26 miles on her old cross trainer. Two years later her son John finished the 3 Peaks Challenge to raise money for Secondary1st. This year John has completed
- [Professor Seth Coffelt](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/professor-seth-coffelt/) - Seth Coffelt, who leads the team at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research at the University of Glasgow which has received funding for the past three years through the generosity of Secondary1st fundraisers and donors, has been appointed Professor of Cancer Immunology at the University of Glasgow. Professor Coffelt and his team have been studying
- [Nolan’s Latest Challenge](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/nolans-latest-challenge/) - It seemed a long time ahead when Nolan signed up for it but, after several months of getting up at 5am to train, his cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats is only four weeks away. He will ride through some his favourite places on a journey of over 1,000 miles which will include
- [Ruth in the Mountains](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/ruth-in-the-mountains/) - Ruth decided that she wanted to do something different for the weekend. So she climbed the Three Peaks, enjoyed the beautiful scenery and raised money for Secondary1st.
- [Cycling the Hebridean Way for Secondary1st](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/cycling-the-hebridean-way-for-secondary1st/) - Dom and Paul are going on a seven-day journey from Essex to the Outer Hebrides and back so that they can cycle the Hebridean Way and raise money for Secondary1st. They will spend four days driving over 1000 miles and ten hours on ferry trips between the islands, with three days to cycle over 150
- [Research Project in Glasgow Funded by Secondary1st Supporters](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/research-project-in-glasgow-funded-by-secondary1st-supporters/) - Secondary1st is proud to have been able to fund this research project led by Seth Coffelt, Professor of Cancer Immunology at Glasgow University. This report on the project is very detailed but we believe that our supporters will welcome the chance to learn more about the research they have helped to fund. Immunotherapies are treatments
- [Bradford University Research Project Funded By Secondary1st](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/bradford-university-research-project-funded-by-secondary1st/) - Professor Klaus Pors and his PhD student Enrica have been working for three years on a project to improve an extremely toxic chemotherapy, so that it can be used to treat breast cancer. The researchers are working on duocarmycins which have been known to science for a long time. However, despite over 40 years of
- [Doing the Camino Walk](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/doing-the-camino-walk/) - Laurence has just walked over 350km to reach the halfway point of the Camino de Santiago in north-western Spain and has raised over £1000 for Secondary First …. and she is not finished yet! In May she will be returning to the Camino to complete the last 400 km, reach Santiago de Compostela and raise
- [New NHS “Ping and Book” Service](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/new-nhs-ping-and-book-service/) - Next month the NHS will start to use a new ”ping and book” service to remind women via their phones that they are due or even overdue an appointment for breast cancer screening which they can then book through the NHS app. Data for 2022-23 has shown that 35.4% of women did not accept the
- [An Afternoon of Music and Song](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/an-afternoon-of-music-and-song/) - The wonderful Alina, a specialist breast cancer nurse, arranged a pre-Christmas afternoon of music and song by courtesy of the Wellington Hospital. Three brilliant stars of musical theatre sang favourite songs from popular shows with keyboard accompaniment and helped to raise more than £600 for Secondary1st.
- [Research Update](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/research-update/) - In 2024 thanks to donors and fundraisers Secondary1st funded the first year of a research project led by Professor Simak Ali at Imperial College London investigating how changes in the ER gene contribute to hormone therapy resistance. About 44,000 people are diagnose with ER (oestrogen receptor) positive breast cancer each year in the UK and

## Pages

- [Home page](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/) - Rosie’s Journey “I need to look at the sunshine and know that I will see it for years to come. I need to believe these things.” We want to put secondary breast cancer first. Front of mind. Top of the list. This is a disease that has spread to the rest of the body. It
- [What we do](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/what-we-do/) - Secondary1st is proud to fund vital research projects that seek a cure for secondary breast cancer. In 2024 thanks to the ongoing support of our amazing donors and fundraisers we began funding the first year of a new project run by Professor Simak Ali, Professor of Molecular Endocrine Oncology, at Imperial College London. Secondary1st is
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/privacy-policy/) - Secondary First is a charity registered in England and Wales (1165614) and a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales (9920657). The policy which we employ when dealing with any personal information submitted via this website is outlined below. We aim to take every possible measure to protect your information at all times.
- [Cookie Policy](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/cookie-policy/) - The UK has now implemented (as of 26 May 2011) the EU e-Privacy directive that requires website owners to make users aware that their site uses cookies. While the ICO has not issued much in way of technical detail, what is clear is that they still expect website owners to take action to become compliant.
- [Rosie’s Blog](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/who-we-are/rosies-blog/) - My final postI never thought I would be writing this post at least not yet. A couple of weeks ago we went on holiday en famile. It was supposed to be a family treat to give me strength for facing more surgery in the form of a second lumpectomy and SIRT. Instead, it turned out
- [Sample Archive](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/sample-archive/)
- [Video](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/latest-news/video/) - Subscribe‌ to‌ newsletter Keep‌ up‌ to‌ date‌ on‌ Secondary1st‌ news‌ and‌ breast‌ cancer‌ research. Leave this field empty if you're human:
- [Contact](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/contact/) - Address241 Hale Lane, Edgware, HA8 9QFPhone Number020 8905 3955Emailinfo@secondary1st.org.uk
- [Volunteer](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/) - Secondary1st is run by a team of dedicated volunteers. We’re always looking for a pair of extra hands to help with the charity, particularly with fund raising efforts. If you’d like to get involved please get in touch! Your Name (required) Your Email (required) Your Message Subscribe‌ to‌ newsletter Keep‌ up‌ to‌ date‌ on‌ Secondary1st‌
- [How to fundraise](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/get-involved/how-to-fundraise/) - Here are a few simple ideas to get you started. © flickr.com user Jo Simon Walk or Run Get a group of friends together, choose a scenic route and walk or run to raise money. Everyone makes a financial pledge. © flickr.com user allispossible.org.uk Car boot sale Get into the loft or garage that you’ve
- [Our Fundraisers](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/get-involved/our-fundraisers/) - We are dedicated to raising as much awareness and money as possible for the cause of secondary breast cancer. Anyone can participate. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, whether you are a top athlete or not. The most important thing is motivation and dedication. From small seeds mighty trunks grow. Some of
- [Where to go for information](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary-breast-cancer/where-to-go-for-information/) - Breast Cancer Now is a charity based in the United Kingdom. It was formed in 2015 through the merger of: Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer Now is the largest breast cancer charity in the United Kingdom. Its declared goal, outlined in the “Action Plan”, is to ensure that “By 2050, everyone
- [Maximising quality of life](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary-breast-cancer/maximising-quality-of-life/) - Emotional support A diagnosis of secondary breast cancer can be traumatic and devastating. Approximately two or three out of every 20 patients with secondary cancer receive professional psychological help. Anxiety, depression, anger are common emotions. Ask your GP or medical treatment team for advice. A patient may wish to see a counselor, see a psychologist
- [What is the current treatment](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary-breast-cancer/what-is-the-current-treatment/) - Secondary breast cancer treatment varies from person to person, depending on the characteristics of the cancer cells and where in the body the cancer has spread. Doctors use a tailored approach which means two people with secondary breast cancer may receive very different treatments. A patient’s team of doctors will carefully select treatments to extend
- [Symptoms](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary-breast-cancer/symptoms/) - Symptoms of secondary breast cancer can vary depending on where the tumours settle and grow in the body. They can include: Worsening pain in your bones, i.e. ribs, hips or back Breathlessness Feeling sick (nausea) An uncomfortable stomach area (abdomen) Headaches Finding it hard to talk, balance or coordinate movements Feeling generally unwell and weight
- [What is secondary breast cancer?](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary-breast-cancer/what-is-secondary-breast-cancer/) - Secondary breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Currently it is not curable. The disease occurs when cancer cells in the breast travel to other areas of the body via the body cavities, blood stream or lymph system. If the cells stay in a new part of the
- [Our Patrons](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/who-we-are/our-patrons/) - Our Patron Peter Capaldi Previous to playing the 12th incarnation of television Time Lord the Doctor on Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi’s most famous role had been as the Machiavellian spin doctor, Malcolm Tucker, in the television political satire The Thick Of It, for which he won the BAFTA for Best Male Performance in a Comedy. Other television
- [Our Trustees](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/who-we-are/our-trustees/) - ELLIOT CHOUEKA Elliot and Rosie were married for more than 10 years. They had two beautiful children, Natalie and Joseph, and were a close family. Their home was filled with laughter and love. Rosie’s breast cancer diagnosis and her 11-month battle with the disease brought Rosie and Elliot even closer. It was Rosie’s wish in
- [Rosie](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/who-we-are/rosie/) - Rosemary Sara Choueka (née Kalman) was born on 15 October 1976. She attended the Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls in London. Rosie read jurisprudence at Brasenose College, Oxford University. She earned a double first with a prize in European law. Rosie went on to become a successful lawyer and was made partner at a City
- [Our Story](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/who-we-are/our-story/) - Who was Rosie? Rosie Choueka was a loving mother, wife and a highly talented lawyer. In June 2014 Rosie found a lump in her left breast, which was subsequently diagnosed as triple negative breast cancer. However, she refused to use the word ‘cancer’ describing the disease as ‘Genghis’ because, as she put it, it was
- [Who we are](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/who-we-are/) - The mission of Secondary1st is to help fund research into the prevention, diagnosis and causes of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and the development of more effective treatments. We want to put secondary breast cancer first. Front of mind. Top of the list. Currently there is no cure. This is a disease that has spread to
- [Donation Confirmation](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/donation-confirmation/) - [give_receipt]
- [Donation Failed](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/donation-failed/) - We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support.
- [Donor dashboard](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/donor-dashboard/) - [give_donor_dashboard]
- [Life with Secondary Breast  Cancer](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary-breast-cancer/life-with-secondary-breast-cancer/) - Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis mollis, est non commodo luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur. Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla.
- [Get involved](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/get-involved/) - [Just a holding page]
- [Secondary Breast Cancer](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/secondary-breast-cancer/) - [just a holding page]

## Categories

- [Uncategorised](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/category/uncategorised/)
- [Rosie's blog](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/category/rosies-blog/)
- [News](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/category/news/)
- [In the media](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/category/in-the-media/)
- [Event](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/category/event/)
- [Past Events](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/category/past-events/)
- [Fundraising](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/category/fundraising/)
- [Your Stories](https://www.secondary1st.org.uk/category/your-stories/)