One week after my 40th Birthday I heard those fateful words "you have breast cancer". It was such a shock and I knew in that moment my life would never be the same again. I drove straight to my girlfriend's house, sat in the corner of her bedroom and cried. That was 10 months ago.

I'm a single mum and after a difficult divorce about 6 years ago, I have pretty much brought up my kids (who are now nearly 8 and 9 years old) on my own. Being diagnosed with breast cancer wasn't even on my agenda - what would happen to my children if I wasn't here? Who would be there cheering them on as they made their journey through life? It was too much to think about. And explaining it to them was even worse.

What followed was a multitude of tests and doctors appointments which was the most emotionally draining and scariest time of my life. The first biopsy confirmed that I had two lumps in my breast and that it had spread to my lymph system. The worst part was waiting to find out exactly how far it had spread and I cannot expalin the relief I felt when I found out that I was clear elsewhere.

In those early days, I was put in touch with the BCNA and received a copy of the My Jouney Kit - it was a godsend. Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way but all I wanted to know at that time was how it affected me and what the facts were. I devoured the information and the support of the BCNA made me feel like I wasn't alone.

Within a fortnight, I underwent surgery (a single mascectomy and full lymph node clearance) followed by my first round of chemotherapy three weeks later. I'll never forget my first appointment with my Oncologist who gravely explained to me that my breast cancer was stage 3 and went on to discuss mortality rates! All I knew was that there were only 4 stages of cancer so being stage 3 couldn't be good - so out came the BCNA information again to explain what it all meant.

For the next 5 months my life became about getting through chemo. I must admit it can take you to some pretty dark places - too much lying around thinking and wondering if it will all be worthwhile. I went from a fit and healthy 40 year old to someone who could barely make it down the street - it was debilitating and I hated it. I had amazing support from my friends, family and local community though. I struggled to accept the help at first, the generosity of people was so overwhelming and I got to know some amazing people along the way and have made some lasting friendships. Of course, I lost all my hair and had to deal with all the physical changes that went along with it. It was not fun.

Five weeks of radiotherapy followed chemo which was like a walk in the park in comparison. I started to feel better and could feel the old me coming back again. Completing treatment was a bit of an anti climax - going to treatment had become my life for the last 7 months and I felt like I was doing something to fight my cancer. I felt in control. Now having cancer is just something I live with everyday - it will always be there lurking but I live my day to day life positively and am so grateful to be alive. I'm just enjoying being a mum again and doing normal stuff (and my kids are enjoying it too).

I still have further surgery this year (completion of my double mascetomy followed by a reconstruction) and am looking forward to getting that behind me too.

Towards the end of my treatment, I was already starting to think what I could do to give something back in return for all the support I'd received. I got a few friends together and we did the Mothers Day Classic with all of our kids. However, I want to raise some serious money for breast cancer and particularly for the BCNA and I couldn't think of a better way than to embark on the PINK PEDAL CHALLENGE 2014.

So get behind me and my team, the Wheelie Pink Flamigoes and show your support - I need your sponsoship!

I will also be organising some Adelaide based events so look out for them too!

Wish me luck :)