A Basingstoke cancer survivor who turned her battle with the illness into a source of inspiration for others has returned from a gruelling five-day trek in the Indian Himalayas and is now celebrating the launch of her debut poetry book.
Karla Cornwall, 47, of Brighton Hill, has been sharing hope and positivity since her breast cancer diagnosis in January 2021.
Following extensive treatment, including a mastectomy, radiotherapy, and bone fusions, Karla has remained in remission for three years.
She has since dedicated her time to raising awareness of breast cancer and sharing her experiences through poetry.
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Her latest adventure saw her completing the Himalayan trek alongside celebrities like Giovanna Fletcher, Emma Willis, and Dragon’s Den star Sarah Davies.
The expedition, organised by the breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel, aimed to raise funds and highlight the importance of early detection, particularly among younger women.
“It was one of the most physically and mentally challenging experiences of my life, but also one of the most incredible," Karla told the Gazette.
"We trekked for eight to nine hours a day, covering up to 15 miles in a single day, with some days equivalent to climbing 213 flights of stairs. But the shared purpose of raising awareness made it all worthwhile.”
Karla’s fundraising efforts for CoppaFeel have been remarkable.
She has raised more than £4,000 from this trek alone, contributing to more than £10,000 raised from previous events, including a fundraiser at The Tea Bar in Basingstoke.
But Karla’s journey of turning adversity into inspiration doesn’t end with fundraising.
On Monday evening, November 25, she also launched her debut poetry book, Cloudy Days and Rainbows, at the Laura Fisher Gift Shop in Basingstoke.
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The self-published collection features poems Karla wrote as a therapeutic outlet during her cancer journey.
Each poem is paired with a charming illustration by Laura Fisher, who is her friend and a fellow entrepreneur.
Karla described the book as “relatable, heartfelt, and uplifting,” hoping it will inspire others facing challenges to find light in their darkest days.
“It’s incredible to see my poetry come to life in this book,” Karla said.
“I never thought I’d achieve something like this. The poems are about hope, love, heartbreak, and resilience—something for everyone to connect with.”
The book launch was attended by friends, family, and supporters, including clients from Karla’s beauty business, who have stood by her through her cancer diagnosis and recovery.
You can buy her book here: cloudydaysandrainbows.bigcartel.com/
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