When Katie Sawyer and her mum Jean step out during Breast Cancer Care’s Pink Ribbonwalk, they will understand more than many just what the day stands for.

Single mum of two Katie, now 46, from Chilham, near Canterbury was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, just as her mum was coming out the other side of her treatment for the disease.

After finding a lump in her breast, Katie went through two sets of surgery, including a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

It was a difficult time, as her children were just two and four, but with support from the charity and her friends she got through.

She was also given a heart-shaped cushion made by a supporter of the organisation to put under her arm after surgery, helping take the pressure off her stitches. Katie said: “I was so overwhelmed by it. It was only a little thing but it was touching at the time.

“People brought meals to the door. Others offered to pick the children up, or take them out on a Saturday.

“I have got a much deeper understanding of what my mum went through for two years.”

Jean is currently battling lung cancer – but this has not stopped her planning to join her daughter on the charity walk’s five-mile course around Leeds Castle.

Katie is recovering well from her breast cancer. Both have tested negative for the breast cancer gene, so their diagnoses were a coincidence.

To donate online to their fundraising effort online, go to https://www.justgiving.com/ jean-sawyer1/

The Pink Ribbonwalk will take place on Saturday, June 20, at Leeds Castle.

As well as the five-mile walk, there are 10- and 20-mile routes, and 14-year-olds and over are able to take part.

Participants must raise £100 in sponsorship to help fund Breast Cancer Care’s specialist services. It costs £30 to register and £15 for under-18s. There is no minimum sponsorship for under-18s.

Every participant will receive an event pack, a pink ribbon to write a personal message on, a Pink Ribbonwalk T-shirt, medal, celebratory post-walk hot meal, and a certificate.

To sign up visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/walk
If you’re getting involved, tweet @BCCare and use #RibbonWalk