EVENT UPDATE:  London Marathon 2023, taking place on 23/04/2023.

In March 2022, I was diagnosed with a rare type of blood cancer called Polycythaemia Vera. 

My symptoms started in the summer of 2021 when I was training for my first ever marathon. I occasionally experienced blurred vision and migraines after a run. However, I put the symptoms down to dehydration, not eating enough or that it was simply too hot outside to run that day.

I managed to complete the marathon without suffering from any symptoms and enjoyed the experience so much that I booked to do a second marathon in Paris in April 2022. Paris felt like the perfect place to run my next marathon as it had been 10 years since I had got engaged there.

After a rest from training over Christmas, I began running again in the new year. I was about half way round one of my usual routes when my vision went again. This was the first time it’d happened during a run and it was more severe than the previous times, which was really scary!! It was at this point I knew that something clearly wasn’t right and I needed to get it checked out.

Thankfully, my amazing GP was on the ball and immediately referred me for various tests to determine the cause. My blood results came back as abnormal and I was referred for urgent investigations with a haematologist, who subsequently diagnosed me with Polycythaemia Vera. I am so grateful for the NHS 🌈

Blood cancer is caused by changes (mutations) in the DNA within blood cells. These blood cells become abnormal, and multiply. Abnormal cells do not work properly, and so your body is less able to carry out its role in keeping your body healthy, such as fighting off infections or helping to repair your body. In my case, my blood is too thick which can cause serious complications, like blood clots. There are many different types of blood cancer.

I am now undergoing regular treatment which is helping to keep my condition under control. It’s something that I will have to live with but I am learning how to manage it and I am determined not to let it hold me back! 

A positive focus since my diagnosis has been to fundraise for Blood Cancer UK. In November 2022, my husband hosted a 12 hour DJ set which was live streamed from our kitchen. It attracted over 1,200 listeners and it was a lot of fun. On 2nd April 2023, I completed Paris marathon with my best friend, who had been secretly training for months and also fundraising for Blood Cancer UK. On 23rd April 2023, I completed London Marathon, which has always been on my bucket list.

Symptoms for blood cancer can be vague. Common symptoms for other blood cancers include bruising/ bleeding more easily, fatigue, joint pain, lumps, night sweats and recurring infections.

If anyone experiences any symptoms that don’t feel right, please don’t delay and get it checked. It could save your life ❤️

I was previously shocked to hear that one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but that figure has become very real for me recently with loved ones also being diagnosed. It’s time to stand up to cancer and one day we will beat it 🙏🏻