I am extremely proud (and a little bit nervous) to say that I am running the London Marathon 2022 for Macmillan Cancer Support. A truly wonderful charity.

The last 18 months have been hard on everyone, and as a Nurse the pandemic has been tough. Normally I look after other people that are unwell so it was mind blowing when at just 31 I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and became the patient myself!

My experience made me realise how cancer effects every element of your life... from your relationships to your finances. It’s overwhelming and all-encompassing for both you and your loved ones. And it has also made me realise what an important a role we nurses play, and just how vital charities like Macmillan are in a person’s cancer journey.

After surgery I couldn’t run due to pain. During chemo and radiotherapy I couldn’t run because I just felt bloody terrible! But exercise became my escape from illness, so although running was too hard, I walked; did home-work outs and yoga. I even rode my bike 40 minutes to the hospital once to have a blood transfusion – much to my oncology teams' exasperation!

Since receiving my diagnosis, I have met many wonderful, inspiring people, some old and some young but all with this awful diagnosis in common. I’ve learnt a lot, and have been blessed to have made connections unlike any other. Cancer is THE worst club you could join but you really do meet some amazing people! 

In August 2021, a year after my diagnosis and showcasing a new very short hair cut, I have moved into oncology nursing and now help others with this dreadful diagnosis.

AND much to my dogs' excitement, I have started running again… Although I’m significantly slower than I was before!!! 

Running is helping me to regain my confidence and my strength, after having both knocked, almost irrevocably by this blasted cancer. 

In October I ran my first proper event since being poorly, a 10k in the Brecon's with the amazing trail pursuit and have booked to do the half with them in May 2022 as part of my training for the London Marathon.

Using my passion for running to raise awareness and vital funds for Macmillan, and help them to help others is a privilege. I feel truly honoured to have been selected....let’s see if I’m still saying that half way round on race day!

As cancer now effects one in two of us, we will ALL experience cancer in some way in our lives. Macmillan see people with cancer as individuals and help support them in all aspects of their cancer journey and they truly care about the people they are helping. Macmillan help so many people through what is possibly the scariest time in their lives. 

Any donation, no matter how small will be greatly appreciated xx

Beth Pantlin xx 

Insta: miss_beffers

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