About Us
Meet our wonderful team
Darina
Hey,
I’m Darina and I’m one of the founders of Gray to Sunny Day.
I am married to Jonny, and have two beautiful sons, Marley aged 4 and Cobi aged 3.
We also have a dog called Stella and a cat called Marge.
My experience with cancer is personal as I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer in April 2019 when I was 26 years old. Marley was 1 and Cobi was a few months old. I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction as well as 6 cycles of chemotherapy and was given the all clear in November 2019.
Unfortunately in January 2022, I found something unusual on my left reconstructed breast and decided to get checked.
I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer 19th January 2022.
Secondarybreast cancer is incurable as it means it has spread.
In my case my breast cancer has spread to several lymph nodes in my chest, my liver and my bones.
I will be blogging about my family life, and the highs and lows of cancer so please come along on my journey.
Nicole
I’m Nicole. One of the trustees for Gray to Sunny Day, cousin to Jonny and a friend for well over 10 years to Darina.
I have a wonderful Partner Simon with whom I share two beautiful boys with.
I am honoured to have been asked to be on board with Gray to Sunny day.
I don’t think there are many people on this earth that haven’t been personally effected by cancer in one way or another.
I recently lost both my Nan and Grandad to cancer and watched Darina navigate her way through two devastating diagnosis, with the latest being all of our worst nightmare.
Cancer devastates families on a daily basis, in fact probably more like an hourly basis, so to think if we can help to put a smile on some of those families faces even for a day is a fantastic feeling.
Jess
I’m Jess, a trustee of Gray to Sunny Day and a close friend of Darina (and Jonny and Nicole).
Sadly, like most of us now, I have been affected by the horrible disease that is cancer.
My beautiful mum lost her battle to Stage IV Sarcoma in 2020 after a courageous and dignified fight.
I lost both of my nan’s to cancer when they were in their 50’s., I also lost a lovely friend last year to cancer who was just 30 years old.
It was then almost unbelievable when Darina was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer earlier this year.
Darina is always thinking about others and her idea to start a charity to brighten the lives of those affected by cancer is a testament to her beautiful character.
I feel so privileged to be involved as a trustee and really hope that we can create at least a smile for those suffering such a difficult time.
I have seen first hand what a devastating affect cancer has on those diagnosed but also their loved ones.
There are lots of amazing charities out there supporting those diagnosed with this cruel disease and we hope to do something special for those who provide love and support along the way as we think that they deserve a treat too.
