A MOTIVATED mum-of-four has embarked on a fundraising weight loss journey culminating in a charity skydive after beating cancer.
Charlie Amber, 38, of Clarke’s Road, Harwich was diagnosed with grade three triple negative breast cancer in November 2021 aged 37.
Immediately after her diagnosis, Charlie chose to face the challenge head on and approach cancer with a positive mindset.
She said: “I found my lump because when I had covid I was feeling rotten and discovered it when I was having a bath.
“My mother-in-law is a nurse at my doctors surgery and from there, I was referred to Colchester Hospital’s breast clinic.
“From the beginning I knew it wasn’t great but I had amazing treatment at the Collingwood Centre in Colchester Hospital.”
Charlie’s four sons, aged nine to 15 and her husband Craig, 44, were concerned about her wellbeing but fed off her positive energy.
Following chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, Charlie was told she was in remission in June.
Charlie added: “I had to argue my case for wanting a double mastectomy because the doctors initially offered a lumpectomy.
“I told them I’ve already had my children so I didn’t need my breasts anymore and wanted to reduce the risk of cancer.”
A consultant told her Charlie would need to lose six and a half stone before having breast reconstruction surgery.
She has since lost 10kg on her weight loss journey and would like to perform a charity skydive at the end of her journey.
She said: “My plan is to get the weight down and once that’s done I can get the skydive sorted.
“My husband has done some skydiving in Cambridge and its very detailed with the information they provide about body positioning and managing weather conditions.
“In terms of my journey, I’d like to tell anyone going through something similar that a cancer diagnosis is not the end, you can beat it with a positive attitude and by listening to doctors.
Charlie is fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK, and the Collingwood Centre at Colchester Hospital.
To donate to her cause visit bit.ly/3MafzSp.
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