Why John became an Ambassador of Not On Your Tod.

“CLEAR MIND CLEAR PATH” 

John Hartson is a proud Welshman, born in Swansea he had an incredible career playing professional football for clubs such as Arsenal, West Ham and Celtic to name a few. John scored 14 goals in 51 caps for Wales and now lives in Edinburgh with his wife and five children. Incredibly proud of his family, John has certainly had a life of ups and downs and we are delighted to have John as an ambassador for the Not On Your Tod brand. 

In 2009 John was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which spread to his lungs and then his brain. He had two emergency brain operations to remove the cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatment which thankfully seen him make a full recovery. John has also been 12 years in recovery for gambling addiction and now helps charities, giving back his time and support to those most in need. John is all to aware of the importance of having good mental health. “I have a saying, clear mind, clear path. When your head is cloudy and misty you can’t make clear decisions, so now I try and live by this saying. I am delighted to help Chris and show support for the NOYT brand. I really like the clothes and what they symbolise.

We are proud to announce Leanne Hugglestone as our latest ambassador. Despite being diagnosed with breast cancer, Leanne has achieved so much in her life and helped so many people along the way. She tells us her journey below and we are sure you’ll understand why we feel Leanne makes the perfect ambassador for Not On Your Tod! 

I was 32, single, working full time in my IT career when I was diagnosed with stage 2, grade 3 breast cancer.  

Within 24hrs I had a breast nurse at my house explaining the next steps - but also asking if I wanted children?  “WOW - erm yes!”  This meant I had to undergo some speedy IVF treatment to collect some eggs for storage - as my upcoming treatment could scupper my chances of being a mum. So a few weeks after my Lumpectomy and a week before my Chemotherapy started - I had some eggs stored at the local hospital. 

The next few months were tough, I took a year off work to undergo my treatment- chemotherapy, radiotherapy, drug trials and genetic testing. 

I found out my cancer was genetic and not hormonal, I found out I had a low hormone level and during IVF I had to have the highest dose to increase my egg count. I was offered counselling - but shook it off as I "just want to get on with the treatment". In hindsight I was concentrating on just the Physical side effects and not the mental or emotional ones. 

A year to the day I was diagnosed- I was back in work. Due to Sick leave levels and my financial situation (due to sick leave ending, annual leave used and no more room on my credit cards to pay for bills) - I was back in work and wondering WHO I was. 

I lost myself, I wasnt the same person - I had to grieve for the "Old Leanne". I needed to find my "new normal". I took this as an opportunity to go blonde when my hair grew back. I kept it short rather than growing long again. I changed careers - went from IT into the wonderful vocation of Corporate Social Responsibility and used my passion to "pay it forward" and created, encouraged and delivered staff volunteering and to this day CSR is now embedded in to my  organisation. 

I had found myself again, but not without the help of 3 different counsellors. Two sets of sessions through a cancer charity, one through my Work Occupational health... and I set up a local support group in my area for other younger women going through Cancer. I truly believed talking made such a difference in such an isolating experience. "BoobBuddies" was born and we met in pubs, had lunch and discussed topics related to our age group - fertility, family, dating, sex, finances and work related issues around cancer. We supported each other and it was great to be around people I could confide to. Especially when the results of my genetics testing lead to a double mastectomy and the subsequent body image concerns and impact.

It was During that year of treatment I also took part in a special Cancer Choir for Tenovus Cancer Care and the Stand up to Cancer Documentary "Sing for your life" - with the Big C Choir. Chris Todd and I sat next to each other at the first rehearsal and I joked he had come dressed as a River Island model! We became firm friends - a 30 strong choir who were all impacted or having treatment from Cancer.  Many of us stayed in touch - but sadly nearly 30% of that group have now passed. They were the light through some dark times during that year of treatment. They were the ones I discussed my side effects and fears to. The club that you never want to be part of - yet it changed my life in such a positive way. 

I am getting through my financial issues- it takes 6yrs for my "Cancer Debt" to  be off my credit report. I have seen counsellors, I have used my experiences to help others, I have set up a Cancer Support network,won awards and am a member of the Cross Government Cancer Network. I have sung at the Royal Albert Hall, mingled with Celebs at Stand up to Cancer, I have had friends of friends reach out for guidance & advice and although I recently moved back into the ever changing world of IT (to restart my career) - I have also been asked to set up the Cross Government Volunteer Network - which is a huge honour!

But that is not my best achievements. 

3 years after my diagnosis - after 3 attempts - my beautiful Daughter was born through IUI. I had become a Solo Mum and she is beautiful. Thea - her name means "Goddess of light". My beacon. 

Through the Cancer, the career change, the awards, the shows and the connecting with so many people - I have also found the love of my life who accepts me, my multiple Scars and random weirdness and love of gardening - and has taken Thea as his own. My Brendon. 

To add the cherry on top - we also magically conceived naturally and have a soon to be 3yr old boy Hudson - who was born in Lockdown and followed by my cancer preventing full hysterectomy.

It has been over 10 years, over 10 operations but it has all lead to me meeting a wonderful partner and having not one but two miracle babies and hopefully  I can ring that bell at my next hospital appointment!! 

But for now - I am grateful, I'm positive and I have everything I need. 

Through talking, sharing stories and really listening to others - I have managed to get this far!  I support Chris and the NOYT campaign - as it signifies growth, understanding, positivity and the importance of the connections we make when we meet people. Be that someone who listens and you may never know who's life you can make a difference to. Together - none of us can be on our tod. 

We are thrilled to announce our next ambassador is Danni Wyatt, club captain of Torquay United Ladies. Danni is passionate about supporting people with their mental health and is the perfect role model for any young aspiring athlete. Her professional approach and leadership skills have helped Torquay United Ladies grow substantially on and off the pitch in recent years. We are proud to call her an ambassador and look forward to working with Danni to support people through times of adversity and help them go on to reach life’s joys and successes.

NOYT is a brand making a real difference to the community and it really resonates with me on some very personal levels. I’ve watched people I love be deeply affected by mental health and it’s so important we support each other through times like this and we recognise it.

I’m really pleased the team at NOYT approached me about becoming an Ambassador for the brand, when I heard of NOYT I thought what an amazing cause and something that is so needed in many peoples lives. I’m hoping it can help to inspire many others & more importantly bring people together. My aim as an Ambassador is to spread the message and #BraveTheLogo, life can give us so much joy and at the same time it can bring so much pain, surround yourself with people who love you, tell people you love them and never be ashamed to ask for help.

One step at a time, you’ve got this.
Danni Wyatt
Brand Ambassador NOYT