Biography

Founder of Hope Rocks, Kay Murphy, was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in November 2016. Almost immediately she began a gruelling schedule of treatment, enduring months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgeries, including a mastectomy and reconstruction. Cancer had spread through her lymph nodes too, but further scans showed her organs and bones were unaffected. Thankfully, this remains so today.

In July 2020, Kay finally finished her active treatment and although under the careful watch of a team of specialists for some years yet, she’s doing great! Incredibly thankful, Kay hopes that sharing her experience, and her belief that you can be happy and content regardless of what’s happening in your life, will help others through difficult days.

The inspiration behind Hope Rocks

“I never expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, ever, let alone at age 46! AND especially as, finally, all my ducks were in a row! I felt happier and healthier, mentally, physically and emotionally, than ever. My work as an Independent Wedding Celebrant in the French Alps was flying, I was eating healthily, exercising regularly and planning to marry the man I’d always hoped for. Then the bottom fell out of my world! But amongst the chaos and fear came acceptance. I found along the way that I still felt happy and content. And one day as I was leaving the hospital after yet another appointment with my oncologist, a woman wearing a headscarf tapped me on the shoulder and told me that whilst I was talking to someone else in the waiting room, she’d heard something that had made a difference to her day. Her mood had improved. Her fear associated with her own cancer diagnosis had calmed. I asked her what she’d heard and she didn’t know. She told me that it wasn’t the words, it was the ‘feeling’ she got from them. She felt comforted, HOPE-ful! She felt love, in that moment. And so I wondered if I shared more about that, how far the ripples would reach!?! Thus, Hope Rocks was born.

Hope Rocks is gonna keep it real! A warts and all look at life and sometimes even death. There’ll be blogs, vlogs, podcasts, lots of real stories…plus some light relief along the way.

Wherever you are in life right now, remember, it’s only now. This too shall pass. So here’s to moving forward, moment-to-moment, saying ‘yes’ as often as we can, loving with everything we’ve got, laughing at every opportunity and spending precious time (however we can) with those who show up for us. Let’s focus on the ‘now’ because all we have in life is this very moment…grab it, hold on tight and, together, let’s embrace the silver linings.

“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller

Donation to ‘Pool of Life’

Pool of Life was the first ever Breast Cancer Survivor’s Dragon Boat Team established in the UK. Kay is a proud member of the crew and for every mug sold, £1 will be donated to the charity.

“Our training and fundraising is on hold at the moment, so I thought I’d do something to help,”. I absolutely LOVE paddling and the support I get from the girls – and boys – is amazing. I had my treatment in Liverpool and knew very few people other than my now-husband and his family, so it was a massive life change. Liverpool is such an amazing city and it’s people are so friendly. Joining Pool of Life had helped me feel part of the community and the physical and mental benefits of regular training are scientifically proven.

Why not mark a festive season like no other with a Hope Rocks mug? Treat yourself or show your appreciation for friends, family, key workers, dog walkers…the list is endless! They’re great as stocking fillers too!