A TADLEY author has spoken out about her diagnosis saying she's 'not scared in the slightest' to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Kerry McIntosh was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2020, something which she said inspired her to write a book about the environment.
Rory Green Secret Agent to the Queen, follows a nine-year-old boy who cares about the planet but is anxious about going out into nature.
The mother, who has two twin boys under the age of five, went into remission but received a secondary diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer in March of this year.
"I see these things as a double-edged sword, it's inconvenient, it's scary but you get to see the absolute beauty of the world," said Kerry.
The Tadley resident tours schools across the country to speak about her book, as well as her experience with cancer.
Kerry said that she had a 'particularly memorable' experience at a school in Wigham, where a six-year-old pupil told her that he had rung the bell to signify he was cancer-free, twice.
The author said the interaction highlighted that 'everybody is going through something', adding: "Just because my experience looks scary in the eyes of other people, other people are going through something else too.
"This is happening to me, but it's happening to me for a reason. I'm experiencing this to help other people and that's how I take it on board. I don't take the responsibility lightly."
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place every October, highlights the symptoms of breast cancer and how to check your breasts for 'any unusual changes'.
Kerry said that her experience with stage 4 cancer is 'so similar to what's happening with the planet right now'.
She continued: "We're so scared of it that we just ignore it. I'm not scared in the slightest, despite what the diagnosis is, I know I'm going to be okay."
"We can all do 'so much' to help the planet, she explained, including small changes like letting the grass grow which cuts down on carbon emissions.
"If we all do it, then we have a big impact. If all our communities around the world did it, then it would have a good impact".
More information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month can be found here
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