East London breast cancer survivor bags awards recognition
Written by Linda Aitchison
Skye’s inspiring health journey brings ‘unsung hero’ recognition
A mum of six who shared the reality of her breast cancer journey is a finalist in a UK-wide awards scheme for unsung heroes.
Skye Sandhu-Nelson, 44, has overcome testing challenges in recent times but continues to inspire.
Now she’s been shortlisted in a ‘Most Inspirational Person of the Year’ award.
She has been working full-time for the last two years as a childminder from her home in Havering.
This year has been particularly tough for Skye as her father died suddenly, while on a visit to India.
That comes after Skye has overcome a breast cancer diagnosis.
She said: “When I went through breast cancer surgery and treatments, I shared weekly updates on my Instagram that I later found out, helped a number of people, namely African-Caribbean and South Asian women to check on their health and in some cases, get through the diseases that they were battling themselves.
“I then became a volunteer patient ambassador for the charity Look Good Feel Better and helped with some of their fundraising campaigns and my image was circulated among hospitals in and around NHS England, and I have had people similarly say to me that they saw my face on the posters with my big bald head and it gave them hope.
“This year I shared my story in the Black Women Rising through Cancer book, headed by Leanne Pero and I’m so glad that I did because I feel I can help others through that medium over years to come.
“When my father died, That broke me. And just like when I went through breast cancer, the experience forced me to become so much more present for myself as well as others, and take care of my well being.”
Zoe Bennett BEM, founder of the Multicultural Business and Community Champion awards which are recognising Skye’s resilience and kindness said:
“This award is for an individual that inspires others to excel beyond their limiting beliefs. Someone that puts others to the forefront to help them believe, achieve, attain and retain the life they have always hoped for. This inspiring person uses their unique story to help others. Massive congratulations to Skye for deservedly being shortlisted.”
