Inspirational breast cancer survivor raises money for charity with summer solstice sunrise swim

A breast cancer survivor has taken the plunge with a summer solstice sunrise swim to raise vital funds for charity.

Fiona Burden, from Emsworth, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2025 after discovering a lump while getting ready for a wedding abroad.

The mum-of-three said said: “I was in Athens getting ready to go to a wedding. I stepped out of the shower, glanced in the mirror and realised my right nipple had inverted. I checked my breasts and found the lump.

“It was quite daunting and overwhelming in the beginning."

She underwent a lumpectomy four weeks later, followed by radiotherapy at Queen Alexandra Hospital in January 2026. She praised the hospital team that cared for her during her treatment earlier this year.

To raise awareness, Fiona and 40 of her closest friends and family, including her 35-week pregnant daughter, completed a summer solstice sunrise swim at 4.30am on June 21 at Hayling Island beach.

The 64-year-old said: "I didn't want to just have the treatment and then go away and forget about it. I felt I needed to do a swim to raise awareness, get some funds, and just try to give something back. Breast Cancer UK stood out because of its strong focus on research and prevention, as well as its role in raising awareness.”

Fiona’s love of open-water swimming was born during the pandemic when she would often take a dip at Hayling Island with her fox red labrador, Bear, who would always join her. When her beloved dog died in 2023, she decided to host her very own ‘bare swim’ after taking inspiration from the Isle of Wight’s summer solstice skinny dip to raise money for charity in his memory.

Her most recent swim raised more than £2,000, but Fiona said fundraising is only one part of the goal, emphasising that raising awareness is just as important for both men, women and children. She is particularly keen on encouraging women to attend their mammogram after her oncologist informed her that only around two thirds of women attend.

She has also inspired her son Tom who, with five friends, cycled unsupported from London to Amsterdam in four days, raising £3,000 for the charity Breast Cancer UK.

"If you can find the lump early, then outcomes can be so much better. I make myself check mine because I don't want to find another lump, but it’s reality," she continued.

Breast Cancer UK raises awareness, offers support to people and families impacted by the disease and is tirelessly researching a cure.

Fiona is already planning her next fundraising challenge, with a winter solstice swim in the pipeline.

If you would like to organise your own fundraiser for Breast Cancer UK, find out how you can support here.