My Story

Why I'm running the London Marathon for Cancer Research UK

For those of you who know me, the answer to this is obvious....

I was diagnosed with an aggressive triple negative breast cancer in 2017.  It is no exaggeration to say that it changed my life. At the time, the diagnosis was like an explosion, putting everything else on hold, and making anything else in life look insignificant in comparison. 

After 10 months of often very difficult treatment, I came out the other end physically a bit of a mess, as well as scared and confused and a bit unsure of who I was anymore, but, most importantly, with no evidence of remaining cancer. 

TNBC has terrifying statistics, and has a high risk of early recurrence. I remain amazed and delighted that due to some first class treatment, and some incredible cancer research, I am here now over 5 years on, and remain free from any evidence of disease. In that 5 years, I have done some amazing things, with incredible people, and have grabbed every opportunity to do things that make me feel very much alive. 

I am also acutely aware that not everyone I have met along the way is able to say that. On both work and personal levels, I have seen the devastating impact of this disease, and will never apologise for asking for money to fund the important work of CRUK, for better outcomes, better treatments, and better lives for anyone else who finds themselves hearing the words "it's cancer". 

I tried to run the London Marathon in 2020, and then COVID got in the way. I did the virtual marathon on a disgusting wet day around the Oxford ring road, with a support team of 4 so no-one can accuse me of being in this for the glory! I cannot wait to do the actual London Marathon, since this has been the biggest build up ever. I promise to run lots, train hard, and I also promise to cry my eyes out on the day.