At the start of the 2020, I was diagnosed with cancer after finding a lump in my breast. To say it was a shock is an understatement. Thankfully I was able to have prompt surgery . This was followed by 6 rounds of chemotherapy and then radiotherapy. Every step seemed to be effected by new Covid restrictions but thankfully nothing was delayed.

After my treatment I was followed up by The Cavendish centre. I rang them initially as I wasn't sleeping well and I didn't want this to delay my return to work. My new medication put me through the menopause so was waking through the night .I was tired and had to start stepping out of my safe bubble of home . I was offered one to one counselling, which I had.Their services have had to adapt due to Covid and they are keeping phone consultations going. I was also offered a group session called a Well Being Cafe which has been so helpful. I was able to talk to different therapists and other clients over Zoom. We shared our experiences together while learning to cope with our diagnosis. It covered mindfulness ,coping with worry ,and had helpful tips on eating well to keep well. I found the mindfulness a great tool to move forwards in my recovery. Other therapies are normally offered like acupuncture, but an alternative is taught over zoom during the pandemic. This has also been a help . The team ask for a voluntary donation for their services . I was hoping by doing a run we could raise money to help Cavendish's services so they can continue to support other families affected by cancer. 

In August I had finished my treatment  tired, unfit  and a stone heavier. I hadn't run since March .My wonderful running friends helped me complete the couch to 5k  then together we have slowly got back to running, which I enjoy. On January 10th '21 my Mum will be supporting me in the Round Sheffield Run, a 15 mile race,. My amazing mum turned 70 yrs this summer and still continues to be my running buddy . - If  event is cancelled, we will run the route anyway. It has given us a goal to aim for to help raise money for this great charity and continue my road to recovery. If you can support in any way at all, we would appreciate it so much .

Cavendish Cancer Care is a Sheffield charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with cancer and their loved ones. Last year, they supported over 1,900 people affected by cancer, including carers and children. They offer free-of-charge packages of therapy and support, tailored to each individual's specific needs. But Cavendish only receive enough statutory funding to keep their doors open for about two weeks each year, meaning they rely on the generosity of the public to keep running. Put simply - they need your help.