There are few experiences more bewildering and utterly terrifying than being diagnosed with cancer just after giving birth, and then trying to raise small children whilst being ravaged by cancer treatment.  I am running the Wales Half Marathon to raise money for Mummy's Star, the only charity which supports women diagnosed with cancer in and around pregnancy. 

In early 2022 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, when my baby was just 4 weeks old.  The 8 months of cancer treatment that followed was more horrific and gruelling than I thought possible.  Thankfully, the truck load of chemo, a major operation and radiotherapy rid me of the cancer. And against all the odds, my now 1 year old and 5 year old have come out the other side happy and content. 

I believe very strongly in the work of Mummy's Star and I want to raise as much as possible to help them support woman who are currently dealing with this nightmare.

My pregnancy was tough on my body - I threw up every day for 8 months, sometimes a dozen times a day.  And so by the time I had dealt with childbirth and all the cancer treatment, I was very weak; I had to sit down for a rest half way up a single flight of stairs.  I started training for this event with the Couch to 5k app, but I was in such a bad state, and the first 60 second gentle jog was so challenging, I thought my heart was going to explode and I was nearly sick in a park bin. I have come a long way since then, but I still need to be a lot fitter if I am going to get to the finish line of this event.

The Wales Half Marathon takes place in Pembrokeshire, where I grew up.  It is pretty hilly and I am reliably informed, includes a hill so steep that my grandfather's car would often fail to drive up it...

Your donation will make sure I get my trainers on and get moving, and more importantly support Mummy Star's vital work.

Cathy x

About the charity: Mummy's Star is the only charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to supporting pregnancy through cancer and beyond. Your donation means that women diagnosed with any cancer during pregnancy or within a year of a birth are able to reach Mummy's Star and the specialised support they offer. They help families to meet others in a similar position, offer small grants to relieve some financial burden, give support to partners and the wider family, promote awareness and support research. Thank you!