My plan is to complete a series of challenges over 2017 to raise money for Cancer Support Yorkshire and Macmillan.

My story
In November 2015, when I was 34, I went to see my GP about some concerns about a small amount of bleeding. Other than this I was in a good place feeling as fit and well as I ever had. My GP sent me for an ultra-scan and a cyst was found on my left ovary. Though this wasn’t related to the spotting and following a physical examination by my GP it turned out that was caused by a polyp.

I was referred to the Gynaecological department of the BRI. Due to my age and having a clear blood test I was told that they didn’t think the cyst was cancerous but they recommended that I had it removed. I was operated on in December and following a biopsy, in January 2016 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Clearly this news was devastating and I had to face some big decisions. I had a second operation to see if the cancer had spread. Fortunately the biopsies on the samples taken on the second operation came back clear.

Horrendous though the news I had cancer was at that point loads of amazing support kicked in both through the NHS, Macmillan and Cancer Support Yorkshire. I even got a phone call from my GP to check I was alright and offering support. Almost a year later and I am pretty much back to how fit I was prior to the operations. I had been very lucky that the cyst was removed early, that the cancer I had was a slow growing type and that my GP sent me for scan rather than doing a physical examination on my first appointment.

Charities
I had some fantastic support from both Macmillan and Cancer Support Yorkshire and as such I would like to give something back to them as well as celebrating being back to full health! Just Giving only allows you to set up for one charity per page so I have set up two. You therefore get a choice of which charity to give to or you can give to both on two separate payments.

My Macmillan nurse specialist was great answering all my questions and just knowing that she was at the end of the phone was a really help. So to give to Macmillan the page is- https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Cathy-Williams13

Cancer Support offered me a number of sessions of complementary therapy. This made me feel really valued and helped with my swelling caused by having a lymph node moved. To give to Cancer Support Yorkshire - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Cathy-Williams12

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to my wonderful friends, family and work colleagues for all their love and support over what was a really difficult time for me.

The Plan
So I will complete a challenge a month in 2017. I have fairly basic fitness but am determined when I set my mind to something. 

14^th January-Night Run-
7.7k at Nostall Priory on the 14^th January in the dark. Completed in 58 mins and 25 seconds

19^th February -Wiggle
Beach Run 10k along Crosby Marine Beach just outside Liverpool. Completed 1hr 19 mins

18^th March- 19k Major
Series Completed

8^th April- Gin Run,
London 10k ending with a well-earned GnT Completed

22^nd April- Bubble
Rush, Harewood House. Completed

1^st May-Coast 2 Coast
Walk- Myself and my friend Steech are planning on starting on the first weekend
in May and walking across to Robin Hoods Bay in about 14 days. Completed in 13 days

6^th June- Great North
Swim- 1 mile swim across Windermere. Completed in
53 mins

9^th July- Leeds 10 K Completed in 1 hr 13 mins

15^th July- AleAthlete, a
run with beer stops. Completed in 2 hours and won
the fancy dress completion.

6^th August- Run Norwich
10k Completed in 1 hr 13 mins

22^nd September- Lyke
Wake Walk, a 45 mile walk across the Yorkshire Moors within 24hrs. Completed in 21 hours.

14^th October- 127
miles Liverpool to Leeds Canal Cycle ride in 2 days. Completed
in two very long day.

5^th November- Abbey
Dash 10k run Completed in 1 hr 12 mins

10^th December- Leeds
Santa Dash

Thank you for taking the time to read this x