12/10/2026
💞As we continue our Breast Cancer Month Awareness campaign, we’re sharing a story about how the charity supports people during their darkness times and gives hope when it doesn’t feel like there is any!
At just 38 years old and with two young children, one with complex health needs, Leanne Kealy never imagined breast cancer would become part of her story.
She is a mum, a daughter, a sister and has family who need her, a life she loves, and she never thought this would happen to her.
In the own words, this is what she says about her diagnosis: “In an instant, my whole world changed. I was at rock bottom and needed urgent support. All I could think was that I’ve been given a death sentence.
What followed was a journey I could never have prepared myself for, an excessive amount of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, trial drugs and three surgeries. I even developed sepsis along the way. There were times when I was frightened, exhausted and completely overwhelmed.
Then there was Charis Cancer Care. 💗
The support I received was second to none. From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with a smile. They knew me by name. There was always a warm welcome, a cuppa and someone there to listen.
Those things might sound small, but when you’re going through the darkest time of your life, they mean everything.
Charis gave me somewhere peaceful to go, somewhere I felt safe, understood and cared for. The beautiful surroundings and the views gave me moments of calm when everything else felt so uncertain.
And along the way, I made lifelong friends.
The treatments, emotional support, conversations, kindness and friendship became my lifeline. Charis Cancer Care supported not just me, but the person behind the diagnosis.
Reaching out to Charis was one of the best things I ever did.
That’s why this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m sharing my story and asking you to support this incredible charity.
Because behind every cancer diagnosis is a person.
A mum.
A daughter.
A sister.
A partner.
A friend.
And sometimes, people need more than medical treatment. They need someone to listen. Somewhere to go. A safe place. A friendly face. A cup of tea. A little bit of hope.
Charis Cancer Care provides that support when people need it most.
I know because I was that person.
If you can, please consider supporting Charis Cancer Care. Every donation, no matter how big or small, can help provide vital support to someone facing cancer.
And please, don’t forget to check yourself and encourage the women you love to do the same. Early detection can make such a difference.
💗 Cancer changes your life. But support can help you find your way through it!
If you or someone you knows needs support, please contact us on 028 8676 9217 or email [email protected]
