30th October 2026
finding strength, joy and connection through breast cancer recovery: Emma’s brio story
What if being active could offer more than just physical benefits? For Emma, it’s been a way to rebuild confidence and feel connected to others through one of life’s most challenging times.
Diagnosed with breast cancer at just 37, Emma hadn’t expected to face cancer at such a young age, particularly as she had none of the typical risk factors. During her recovery, she found comfort in exercise and a sense of belonging at Brio Northgate. From building a routine to enjoying time with others, being active helped her focus on herself and find positivity through tough times.
Now, Emma is sharing her story to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage others to become breast aware. We caught up with her to hear about the people and experiences that keep her motivated, and the advice she would offer to anyone facing challenges of their own.
When you started coming to Brio what were you hoping to get out of being active or spending time here?
Studies have shown that exercise can reduce your risk of cancer reoccurrence by 40% which is huge, and maintaining a healthy weight also reduces your risk. Treatment had taken a huge toll on my body - I had lost a lot of my hair and was given high-dose steroid injections, which caused me to gain weight.
Exercise offered me an empowering way to take back some control and work towards a version of myself that I felt I had lost during treatment.
Fast forward to now, I’ve come to realise that exercise isn’t just good for my physical health; it’s good for my soul too! The Zumba and dance classes especially are so fun, and I will always and forever be grateful to CJ, Grace, Gemma and Helen for helping me kick those intrusive thoughts to the curb.
The community at Northgate is like a little safe space for me now not somewhere I go to punish myself because of what it says on my scales.
What has helped motivate you to keep going, especially on days when it might have been more difficult?
My friends and the people I’ve met at Brio give me plenty of reasons to keep showing up, but my biggest motivation will always be my daughter. She was only four when I received my diagnosis and the thought of leaving her and causing her pain was and still is the hardest part to deal with.
A cancer diagnosis is horrific for anyone, but when you have someone you love fiercely who depends on you, you also carry an immense amount of worry and guilt. Doing whatever I can to be the healthiest version of myself for her is now one of my biggest motivators.
Are there any moments, achievements or milestones that have felt particularly meaningful to you?
One of the most meaningful moments for me was performing at Pride as part of the Brio team in 2024. Just being asked was an honour, and the experience was incredible.
I still experience “chemo brain”, which made remembering the choreography a challenge. At one point, I wondered if I’d ever get it right, but on the day, I did it - and I was so proud of myself!
Three years earlier, I’d been at home dealing with the exhausting effects of chemotherapy, watching my hair fall out in clumps and living with constant fear and heartbreak. I could never have imagined that I’d one day be dancing my heart out on stage at Pride.
Being part of that performance showed me how far I’d come and reminded me that, even after the darkest times, there is room for joy, connection and new memories.
If you could share one message of encouragement with another woman going through a challenging time, what would it be?
Firstly, I would send her some love and then I’d say bad times don't last forever. Be kind to yourself and take help and support wherever you can. There's a huge difference between sympathy and empathy, and finding someone who just "gets it" can make a huge difference.
I still think about cancer and what I went through every single day, but over time those thoughts become less and less frequent. Reflecting on my journey and how things continue to improve, gives me a big push. Bad times don’t last forever, even when it feels impossible to see beyond them.
Whether you’re navigating a major life challenge or simply looking for a way to feel more connected, we hope Emma’s experience inspires you to find an activity you enjoy, discover your own community and celebrate every step forward.
Breast cancer can affect both men and women, and it can impact loved ones, too. If you or someone you know needs further information or support, these organisations offer helpful advice, guidance and someone to talk to.
