Siblings on a Mission: Climbing Kilimanjaro for a Cancer-Free Future

This September, siblings Ellie and Ben Puttock will take on the monumental challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in support of Prevent Breast Cancer. But for them, this is far more than a physical feat, it’s a deeply personal mission rooted in years of resilience, perspective, and hope.

Ellie was just eight years old when her mum, Tracy, was first diagnosed with breast cancer, and since then, the disease has been an unwelcome but familiar presence in their lives.

We spoke with Ellie to learn more about her journey, the impact of her mum’s diagnosis, and why reaching the summit of Africa’s highest peak is not just a goal, it’s a powerful statement of strength, solidarity, and belief in a future free from breast cancer.

Since 2013, cancer has unfortunately been a regular topic in our house. Aged just 8 and 14, cancer felt like this big scary word we didn’t really understand. One minute Mum had her signature curly hair, and the next, a wig collection with more range than her wardrobe. It was strange watching someone you’ve known your whole life start to look and feel different. But kids adapt fast, and the thing that scared us, just became life.

After a few sleepless nights and her famously declaring that she ‘doesn’t have time for this nonsense’, we all had to accept that life was about to change. Through countless rounds of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and what felt like a year of surviving on Dad’s fish fingers and potato smiley faces, Mum finally got the all-clear. Cancer-free and back to dinners with a bit of variety, we put it all behind us.

Sadly, in 2016, the family faced a second diagnosis:

After a routine scan, the news hit us again. This time, cancer had spread to two new places – secondary cancer, when cells decide to pack their bags and settle somewhere else in the body.

Weirdly, worrying didn’t take up too much headspace. Mum and Dad were always honest in a way that made sense to us, even as kids. It felt like someone had the wheel no matter what was thrown our way. We were lucky to have parents who, even when they didn’t feel like it, always seemed two steps ahead.

Fast forward to present day and Mum still receives tri-weekly treatment to maintain her health, and she’s now Prevent Breast Cancer’s first London-based corporate ambassador. And as our wonder-woman would say, ‘out of something bad, something good can happen’.

We asked Ellie how she feels when she looks back at what she’s been through:

A bit like we’ve already climbed a mountain before even seeing Kilimanjaro. Looking back, it’s pride, perspective, and the realisation that we’re a solid little team. It’s wild how quickly the not normal becomes normal.

Cancer made us grateful for the day-to-day things, like having the four of us round the dinner table and school pick-ups that included Mum. We became the kind of people who look for silver linings and try to keep the glass half full, even if it’s half full of lukewarm hospital tea. Perspective is a powerful thing, and cancer gave us buckets of it.

Reflecting on lessons learned, Ellie said:

Google is not your friend. Searching symptoms at 2am only leads to unreliable stats and a pessimistic mindset. What helped was reading charity blogs like this one, and seeing people living full, brilliant lives with similar diagnoses. It reminded me that your story doesn’t have to follow a script – it can be the one that surprises you.

The “Keep calm and carry on” line hits differently when life hits pause on your normal. You can be upset and frustrated, but we learned early on not to waste energy on things out of our control, especially when time suddenly feels more precious. And knowing Ben was experiencing it all at the same pace as me. That mattered more than I realised, there’s comfort in being confused together.

Ellie shared how Prevent Breast Cancer first came to her family’s attention in 2019:

Mum attended a presentation from Prevent Breast Cancer about your revolutionary approach to risk assessment and risk-adapted screening. With 40 years of experience in an industry focused on preventing risk, it made perfect sense to her.

Prevent Breast Cancer doesn’t just wait for cancer to show up. You’re working to stop it before it ever does. Mum fell in love with your mission for risk-based screening, and so did we. You’re clever, you’re compassionate, and you’re doing the work now to protect future generations.

Ben and Ellie are now trading Friday night pints for weekend hikes, preparing for what Ellie calls ‘the most rewarding beer of our lives’ at the summit.

Let’s be honest, the decision to trek up Kilimanjaro was probably made after one (or many) post-work pints when climbing a mountain sounded like a totally reasonable idea. But here we are, flights booked, and no turning back now.

We’re taking on this challenge because your charity means the world to us. Prevent Breast Cancer is leading the way in ensuring fewer families have to hear the word ‘cancer’ as often as ours has, and that’s a future worth climbing for.

When asked what a breast cancer-free future looks like, Ellie paints a vision rooted in hope, simplicity, and the everyday moments that matter most:

A breast cancer free future means fewer “We have some bad news” conversations, fewer cardboard bowls in car footwells and more ordinary but extraordinary days. It’s a future where cancer doesn’t get to steal hair, time, or peace of mind. A future where no one’s identity is rewritten by a diagnosis. And thanks to Prevent Breast Cancer, that future feels closer.

At Prevent Breast Cancer, we are incredibly proud to stand beside Ellie and Ben as they take on this extraordinary challenge. Their story is a powerful reminder of why our mission matters – to create a future where breast cancer can be prevented entirely. Every step they take up Kilimanjaro helps raise vital awareness and funds that bring us closer to that goal.

Support Ellie’s incredible challenge and help fund vital research by visiting her JustGiving page.