In January 2016 I heard those dreaded words ‘I’m afraid it’s breast cancer.’  

My Runner’s World magazines were replaced with Macmillian cancer information booklets. My life became a whirl of hospital appointments, scans, meetings with a surgeon and two bouts of surgery. After my lumpectomy and sentinel node removal I had a little time to heal before proceeding with six rounds of chemotherapy and 23 sessions of Radiotherapy (finished 30^th August).

I have had the majority of my treatment at The Whittington Hospital but had to be treated at Royal University Hospital for the Radiotherapy. The care of the NHS staff has been amazing but there has also been a consistency in the support given from Macmillan. I never really knew what Macmillan did until I had been diagnosed but they are a constant support for cancer patients and their families. A mind of knowledge with an information booklet for every type of cancer and treatment. They organise therapy sessions, they pointed me in the direction for charities who would aid my recovery and signed me up with a Macmillan personal trainer for a free 12 week course.  

I am so proud to be able to run for them and help others in the same situation that I have had to endure this year. My cancer journey is far from over; I still have to have injections every three weeks and have started a five to ten year course of Tamoxifen which will bring on early menopause. I will however not let any of this deter or defeat me and I will finish this marathon with the biggest smile on my face.  

Time to don those Mizunos…
#TeamMacmillan