My then husband and I made plans to emigrate to New Zealand in 2003. However, this was not to happen as we'd hoped as I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself, aged just 36. But I was one of the lucky ones. The cancer was caught early. Prompt diagnosis and State-funded treatment undoubtedly saved my life, yet cost me nothing. Personal experience should not be necessary to understand the benefits of universal healthcare, but it does tend to focus the mind when you are facing the possibility of leaving two small children motherless.