Robin & Lizzie - Robin Hood Half Marathon

We never thought that was going to be said!

We’re raising £750 for Notts County FC Football in the Community, and for new cold cap equipment at Nottingham City Hospital .

Robin - In August 2016, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer and told it was unlikely that I would survive six months. Cancer should have stopped me by now, but I'm still standing - running, even! The treatment I received from the NHS, and the support from family, friends and colleagues have all got me to this point. In November 2017 whilst receiving another round of chemotherapy, I heard about a cancer rehabilitation and exercise (CARE) programme organised by Notts County FC Football in the Community. During my illness I was so weak I often required a wheelchair and assistance with day to day living. After my major abdominal surgery I was advised not even to lift a kettle! It would have taken me years to recover if it had not been for the FITC CARE programme. Twice a week I left the house to attend the 90 minute session. CARE gave me structure and a community - I met others who were receiving similar treatment, had similar symptoms, and understood. The more active I was able to be in those sessions, the more I felt alive. Just turning up was sometimes a struggle, but I knew that I needed those sessions and needed the support and energy it would give me. I met Lizzie and other supportive, encouraging people at these CARE sessions. Their drive and positivity on days when I was struggling to attend the sessions was vital to my recovery. Lizzie began organising badminton sessions outside of CARE in 2018, and our friendship together and with other CARE participants grew. We celebrate milestones together, and continue to have strong, supportive friendships. After attempting several less conventional sports (paddle boarding, kayaking, ‘piloga’ to name a few), we decided in July 2018 to give running a try. It was in February this year, after several 5Ks Lizzie messaged me with ‘I’m going to sign us up to Robin Hood Half Marathon’…and here we are doing several training runs a week! We pushed our bodies through cancer, I’m sure together and with your support we can manage 21.1km .

I would like to run the Robin Hood Half Marathon for the organisation that oversees the cancer rehabilitation and exercise (CARE) programme I attended as a thank you for the support it has given me. Notts County FC Football in the Community work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to deliver this incredibly effective cancer programme. CARE uses physical activity to help patients during their recovery from cancer. CARE provides participants with a social environment to share stories, build strength and increase their confidence and self-esteem during a difficult period in their lives. Please take a moment to listen to my experiences on the programme:

Lizzie – In 2017, aged 26 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. About to start my career as a psychologist, I heard the words 1 in 2 of us will sadly hear – ‘you have cancer’. I had three surgeries, and six sessions of chemotherapy. Throughout my treatment, I was keen to look and feel like myself. I remember asking whether chemotherapy was the treatment where people lose their hair, and feeling totally mortified with the response. Chemotherapy breaks down healthy fast-dividing cells, and as hair is the second fastest dividing cell in the body, patients are often told to start browsing wig and scarf styles. I turned to the Internet and Social Media and spent a while searching for other options.

This is when I first learnt about the Paxman Cold Cap. It works by reducing the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during and after chemotherapy. This then reduces the blood flow to the hair follicles with the ultimate aim of preventing or minimizing hair loss. Varying reviews and interesting stories kept me occupied on many sleepless nights. Thankfully for me, Nottingham City Hospital has two Paxman machines on their chemotherapy ward. During my six sessions, I retained a good covering of hair and although I purchased a wig as a security blanket, I never needed to wear it. I have since supported two strangers, and my close friend Emily through their treatment using the Paxman machine. Seeing my success and theirs, I have been even more determined to publicise how these machines can reduce hair loss and the psychological benefits of this. As a ‘Paxman Pioneer’ I continue to support others and share my experiences on forums and through the hospital.

I would love your help in supporting me to fundraise for new caps for the two Paxman machines in Chemotherapy Daycase at Nottingham City Hospital. Earlier this year, Paxman introduced a new inner cap design that offers an improved, more ergonomic fit on the head. These new caps are £125 each to purchase, and are available in three sizes (small, medium and large). I would love to be able to purchase a full set of three for one of the machines at the hospital.

Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in my 20s, I learnt that cancer can affect anyone, at any time, at any age. There are few ‘success’ stories shared, and I feel grateful that I am able to share mine. In September 2017 I was told ‘there is no evidence of disease’. I will continue to be monitored every few months for five years. I am so grateful that I received an early diagnosis and successful treatment. The friendships I have made through being diagnosed with cancer have been overwhelming for me. There are very few days in the past 2.5 years where I haven’t seen or spoken with someone from the CARE programme, and we continue to support each other through our understanding of the benefits of exercise whilst living with and beyond cancer. I still regularly attend the sessions as the youngest CARE participant, and continue to be beaten by Terry (a 70+ year old I regularly do circuit training with) on the number of press ups I can manage. Running has significantly helped me with my fatigue symptoms post treatment, and on days when I struggle to be motivated to put my trainers on I think about friends that are unable at the moment to run but are always there to support me. I am sure this motivation will help me on the route through Nottingham later this month.

We have been overwhelmed by the support from family and friends during our training for this. We would appreciate it greatly if you are able to make a donation. We also have developed an amazing cheering squad, which we are certain are happy for more members if you are available on Sunday 29th September and want to cheer us along? Your support is so valued by us.