Our month-long campaign to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer in memory of Rachael Bland is coming to an end. We have reached a phenomenal amount and we are so grateful to all our therapists who have helped us raise so much money. There is just today remaining to add to our total which we hope will take us to £10,000.
SkinBase chose to help this amazing cause this year in memory of Rachael Bland…
SkinBase’s co-founder and owner, Richard Faulkner, met Rachael and her husband, Steve, at an NCT group in 2015 when Rachael was pregnant with Freddie and Richard’s wife, Hannah was pregnant with their first child. The group became extremely close, with their children creating lasting friendships💗.
You, Me and the Big C
Following her diagnosis, Rachael launched the BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C with fellow cancer bloggers, Lauren Mahon and Deborah James. Discussing the highs and lows of life with cancer, and all that came in between, the trio welcomed a host of celebrities and medical experts to provide advice and share their own stories. The podcast shed light on some of the real-life hurdles that came with a cancer diagnosis, and explored issues in human, humorous detail. The podcast became a huge hit and received high praise from cancer patients and medical experts💗.
Tragically the Cancer had spread
In early 2018, whilst still recording the podcast, Rachael participated in a clinical trial of experimental treatment at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, in an attempt to prevent or postpone the spread of her cancer. This was unsuccessful and in May 2018, Rachael announced that her cancer had spread and was incurable. Despite this, she continued to blog and run the podcast whilst at the same time writing a memoir for her four-year-old son, Freddie. The Sunday Times bestseller, ‘For Freddie’, was Rachael’s life story in her own words, including advice that only a Mum can give her son and was part of a legacy that she left for him💗.
Continuing the Legacy
Rachael tragically died on 5th September 2018, just two years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Steve is continuing his wife’s legacy, working on the podcast and raising money and awareness in the fight against cancer.
