I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Although devastating news, it was caught early and after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy my treatment was a success. In 2015 I had a recurrence and further surgery was needed – again treatment was a huge success thanks to the team at the Breast Care Unit at West Middlesex Hospital.

I am running the London Marathon this year – lucky enough to get a place through the ballot – and I want to use this momentous occasion to raise funds for something that is important to me. There are many large cancer charities that I could have chosen, but I want to make a difference to something that is quite specific – and that is to improve the comfort for patients when using the nurses consulting room at the unit.

The success of my two battles with cancer was undoubtedly due to the excellent standard of care I received from my surgeon and oncologist, but just as important and often overlooked is the care received from the breast care nurses. Breast care nurses provide emotional support in dealing with the diagnosis of breast cancer; they give information and advice about cancer and about the symptoms from treatment. Their kindness, knowledge and sensitivity is priceless. They know that patients need time and some light-hearted humour - something that many NHS departments are unable to give and I cannot sing their praises high enough.

The money I am hoping to raise will go some way to improving the comfort of the consulting room. We’re talking about a lick of paint; soft furnishings; a picture or two. It doesn’t sound like much, but the NHS does not have the money to do this and I know it will make a difference to the patients. The comfort of the consulting room should match the high standard of care given by the breast care nurses.
So, thank you for reading and supporting this cause. Eight years ago I couldn’t have run 1 mile and now I’m about to run 26! Anything is possible!
Thank you. Alison x