At just 31-years-old, Victoria Macefield was told the frightening news that she had breast cancer after pushing for tests after discovering a small lump.

The JetSki World café cook had to undergo a single mastectomy and reconstructive surgery but was then shocked to realise that there was no help with costs for special bras and equipment, no advice on how to manage every day tasks during recovery and no support groups in the area.

Victoria, from Margate, is two weeks post-op but feels so passionately that others like herself need after-care that she has set up a charity- Breast of Friends Kent – to provide the support that seems to be unavailable from other sources in the county.

She said: “I found a little lump in January and went to the doctors but they said there was nothing wrong with me and it was hormonal.

“By May this year I was not feeling right and was losing a lot of weight, I went from a size 12 to a size 6 in the space of a year.

“I had to fight, I had to take my partner and mum and friends to appointments just so they could say ‘you are not listening to her.’”

Victoria was eventually diagnosed in May with grade 4 breast cancer.

She said: “That first week was very dark, I was very upset and angry.”

This month Victoria underwent six hours in surgery to remove her breast and have reconstructive surgery.

She was in hospital for 24 hours and then discharged with some explanatory leaflets and booklets.

Victoria says recovery has been a struggle. There are unexpected costs for specific recovery bras – costing £68 each- and special straps at a further £48 to make sure the implant is kept in shape. Then there is the need for items like a V pillow to help with laying down.

Victoria also left hospital with two drains and suction attached which meant she needed to buy drain bags.

At the same time she is unable to work while recovering, a process that could take at least six weeks- struggling to claim any benefits and faced with scrimping and asking family for help to try and pay bills and all the costs for post-surgery necessities.

In her search for help she called Macmillan Cancer Support.

Victoria said: “Macmillan told me there are £350 grants but Kent is not covered. I cried. I am now making it my mission to get money for Kent so I have started the charity.

“I was told to get an Amoena bra and they are not cheap. As a young woman you want to feel lovely and spending £68 on a bra, you’d expect it to be a Gucci.

“I could only afford one so when you are washing and drying it you are a little bit screwed.”

Victoria says it soon becomes apparent how difficult the practicalities are once you are home.

She said: “You soon realise how much you can’t do. You lay down and you can’t get back up. You’re trying to get around the house with drains hanging out of you.

“It’s a real struggle, you just don’t realise how much you use your breast muscle, I can’t lift, I can’t cook, I can’t wear jumpers because I have to raise my arms to get them on. You don’t want to be a burden. I’ve gone from being independent to being unable to wash my hair.

“You leave hospital with books and leaflets but that does not show me how to get a T shirt on.

“Someone young, or any age, just wants to look as normal as possible. The hospital did an amazing job (surgery) but there is no support.

“There is also no help mentally. I have a fantastic family but not everyone has that. Having a mastectomy sounded awful, I was thinking ‘I’m going to look like that’ and I had to reach out on Tik Tok to other women because there was no-one to talk to about this.

“You are left asking ‘who do I speak to, where do I get help with all this?’ I can’t fault the hospital, they did their best, but I don’t think you are told what a massive life change it is.”

Victoria says she is recovering but her journey is not over yet. Lymph nodes that were removed during surgery need to be tested to make sure the cancer is not invasive. If it is then further treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is likely as well as lifelong tests and check ups.

Despite still being in recovery, Victoria is determined to help others so they do not experience some of the struggles she has faced.

She is now fundraising so Breast of Friends Kent can help others going through breast cancer and surgery with practical and emotional support.

She said: “I have registered the charity and want to fundraise to be able to provide as much support financially and physically to those going through breast cancer. My aim is to build a strong, supportive community that helps those affected by breast cancer with things like aftercare and recovery support; clothing, pillows and comfort packs; hot meals and essential help for those struggling and a safe space to talk, share, and heal together.

“I want to get bags or helpful boxes made for people going through this process, meal prep plans, advice, but to do this I need to raise funds and I need people to get involved.”

Victoria has set up a GoFundMe, as well as arranging events, to bring in the funds needed to help others through her charity. Last night fundraising kicked off with a Screw Cancer party at the Imperial bar and meze in Margate and there are more events to come.

Victoria said: “This is just the start to this journey but I am making it my passion to have this charity support those in need.

“Over time we will raise ideas and fundraisers to get this going. If anyone wants to offer support, donations or messages, then please get in contact.”

The GoFundMe can be found here

Breast of Friends Kent can be found by clicking here

You can also see Victoria’s journey on Tik Tok – @Vicca.macefield