Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Friendship, Fitness and Moving Forward

Two women brought together by breast cancer treatment have formed a close friendship and have discovered a passion for exercise that has transformed their recovery.

Julie and Cathrine, from Aberdare, were both diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and received care and treatment through the Snowdrop Breast Centre.

After being cared for by Ms Jenny Long, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, and supported by Specialist Breast Care Nurse, Martine Wells, both ladies were invited to attend an in-house patient wellbeing event.

The patient wellbeing events are organised by the team in Snowdrop Breast Centre and are supported by Macmillan and Moondance.

Having never met before, the pair got talking, found out they lived close to each other and quickly became friends.

Within weeks of meeting, Julie had invited Cathrine to join her on a Battle Cancer programme, a free, 12-week fitness and support initiative designed to help cancer survivors rebuild strength, confidence, and overall well-being through structured exercise and community support.

Reluctant to agree initially, but Cathrine said yes and the pair joined the programme and were overwhelmed to discover how much better they felt both physically and mentally after participating for just a few weeks.

What started as a single challenge, soon became a regular part of their lives and an important friendship.

Both women describe the impact exercise has had on helping them to feel both physically stronger and mentally more resilient and they encourage others to take the plunge.

"You never know unless you try," Julie said. With Cath reflecting on how her and Julie "Have never looked back."

Breast Care teams who have supported Julie and Cath throughout their treatment have praised the progress both women have made and the positive example they now provide to others.

By sharing their story, Julie and Cath hope to inspire more people affected by cancer to explore the support available to them and feel empowered to take the first step, whatever that may look like.

Watch their story below:

23/10/2026