It is both an honour and privilege to become a Patron and medical advisor to Boot Out Breast Cancer. Breast cancer is such a common diagnosis and affects not just individuals but so many families, friends and loved ones. We have seen huge advances in understanding, diagnosis and cure rates over the last 10 years but there is still so much to do and learn. I was appointed Professor of Breast and Oncoplastic Surgery at Barts, London in 2011, after consulting at The Christie and South Manchester hospitals for two decades. I trained in surgical oncology and plastic and reconstructive breast surgery at a time when cross-specialty training was radical. My MD thesis research was jointly between the Christie and the Middlesex, London, on the molecular biology of breast cancer.

I have been at the centre of developments in breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction over the last years and have published a large number of peer reviewed papers, chapters and articles, and lecture internationally. I innovated risk reducing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction for women at high personal risk, such as BRCA 1/2 gene mutation carriers, have trained many oncoplastic surgeons and have extensive experience in breast reconstruction.

My professional life is divided between Manchester and London, with the majority of my time now again in Manchester. I have learnt that the most precious things to celebrate are relationships and life itself. I congratulate Debbie Dowie and the BOBC executive for their fabulous efforts and wish them every continuing success.