Daughter keeps mother's letters for life milestones
Amy Leslie, 22, from north London, cherishes unopened messages left by her mother who died of breast cancer.
Incident → evidence → outcomeAmy Leslie, 22, from north London, is preserving unopened letters and memory boxes left by her mother, Danielle, who died of breast cancer in September 2010. Danielle, aged 40, had created these for her children to open at significant life events, including Amy's 18th birthday and driving test.
Danielle and her own mother, Sylvie Henry, established the breast cancer charity Future Dreams in 2008. Sylvie died of the same illness in July 2009, aged 62. The pair, who were professional dancers and ran a dance school, started the charity with £100 from their kitchen table.
A legacy of support
The charity now operates Future Dreams House, which opened five years ago. This facility offers support to individuals impacted by breast cancer, with some travelling from across the United Kingdom to access its services. Amy described the house as feeling like 'a hug from my mum and my grandma'.
Amy, a newly qualified primary school teacher, is aware of her family's history with the disease. Due to this history, she will commence breast cancer screening at the age of 25. Routine NHS screening is typically offered to women from age 50.
She told BBC London that she believes her mother and grandmother would be proud of the charity's continued success and momentum. Amy stated her intention to remain involved with Future Dreams, upholding the founders' message that no one should face breast cancer without hope or support.
Questions this report answers
01Why is Amy Leslie starting breast cancer screening at 25?
Amy Leslie is starting breast cancer screening at age 25 due to a significant family history of the disease. Her mother and grandmother both died of breast cancer. Routine NHS screening typically begins for women at age 50.
02What is Future Dreams House?
Future Dreams House is a facility established by the breast cancer charity Future Dreams. It offers support to people affected by breast cancer, with some individuals travelling from across the UK to use its services.
03Who founded the charity Future Dreams?
The breast cancer charity Future Dreams was founded in 2008 by Danielle Leslie and her mother, Sylvie Henry. They established the charity from their kitchen table with an initial £100.
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