In Summer 2012 I was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma in my leg.  After two operations and seven weeks of radiotherapy I was given the all clear.  Now I want to raise awareness of sarcomas as they are too frequently misdiagnosed, as was the case with me.  I also want to raise money for Sarcoma UK, as their research, support and education for people diagnosed with this rare cancer is vital.

The Great North Run will be the furthest distance I have ever run, even when my leg was good!  It's a challenge I'm looking forward to and knowing the money raised will go to such a great charity will help me get up those hills!

• Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the supporting or connective tissues of the body such as muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, blood vessels and fat.

• There are around 3800 new cases of sarcoma diagnosed each year in the UK.

• Sarcomas account for about 11% of childhood cancers and about 14% of cancers in teenagers.

• Most sarcomas (about 55%) affect the limbs, most frequently the leg.

• Soft tissue sarcomas are often lumps of more than 5cm, they increase in size and are sometimes painful.  Indications of bone sarcoma can be non-mechanical bone or joint pain, joint pain at night and bony swellings.

Thank you for your support and for sponsoring me,

 

Alisa x