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I have always been involved in sports and tried to keep myself fit and healthy. I really enjoy swimming and completed the London Marathon in 2015 and The London Prudential 100 bike ride the following year.

So in July 2018, it was a big shock to find, following a routine mammogram, that I had breast cancer. Also rather ironic, as in the 1980’s as a newly qualified nurse, I worked on a female cancer ward.

My treatment, at the Luton and Dunstable hospital (L&D), commenced 10 days later- surgery to successfully remove the lump, followed by 6 rounds of chemotherapy every three weeks. Then a short break before three weeks of daily radiotherapy. The chemotherapy was gruelling but amazing support from my family, friends and the staff at the L&D helped me thru.

Inspired by a couple of girlfriends who have already been on this journey and gone on to complete triathlons (including an Ironman), I tried to continue doing as much activity as possible to maintain my fitness. There were days when I wasn’t well enough to do anything except lie on the sofa. Also, swimming was not allowed due to my PICC line and infection risk. Walking, using the Wattbike at the gym and a few holes of golf were my ‘go to’ activities.

During my treatment I became aware of a Marathon Swim event being held in November in the Olympic Pool, Stratford. I had always wanted to swim there. I decided I wanted to take part in this event in 2018. Swimming 10k would certainly give me a fitness goal to aim for following completion of my treatment. So, early 2018, I couldn’t swim but I could spend time researching long distance swimming training plans, getting advice from others and using my marathon experience to put together a plan for me.

After 5 1/2 months not swimming, I was so excited at the thought of being able to get back in the pool! It was as much as I could do to complete five lots of two lengths of a 25M pool- I was so breathless, it was like going thru treacle! Oh my Goodness! I have bitten off far more than I can chew! How on earth do I think I can do 10K! It going to take me just over 4 hours- the same time as I completed the London Marathon in! I had just over six months to get in shape.

My fabulous family and friends kept their faith in me, ‘Just keep to your training plan’. My sister, Sarah, also signed up for the 1k event and over the summer was able to join me on my increasingly long swims! My friend, Jo, has also kept me company in the pool. Encouragement
from Nuffield St. Albans Swim Masters group has been much appreciated as well.

It’s not all been plain sailing (swimming) but now having reached the end of October, long swims all done and two weeks away from my marathon swim, I am starting to believe I could actually achieve my goal!

I have been incredibly lucky to be able to receive first class treatment which has resulted in me being cancer free. I hope you will be able to assist me in assisting others to receive the same by making a donation to the Cancer Unit at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

If together we raise £1000, a new chemotherapy chair can be purchased. £4000 gets an infared vein finder. Both these items might seem relatively small but, as I know, they will make a big difference to patients and the specialist staff.

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