Along with a group of my nearest and dearest, I will be running the Ovarian Cancer 10k on the 12th October at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Admittedly 10k isn't a lot but after training arms for nearly 10 years now it's finally time to give my little legs a run out. Those who know me will be fully aware that this is one hell of a challenge for me and my degenerating back.
Rather than dwelling on what has happened, I believe it's more important to be forward looking at this point. Therefore the purpose of this almighty trek across Stratford is three fold:
- Raise awareness - We’re running to raise awareness and understanding of an illness that is now sadly part of our lives. Unfortunately, two thirds of women are diagnosed once the cancer is advanced - including my mom. Too few people know what to watch out for so symptoms are often mistaken for IBS as diagnosis is not always easy. The four main symptoms are: persistent bloating, feeling full/loss of appetite, pelvic/abdominal pain and needing to wee more urgently or often than usual.
- Raise a few quid - Target Ovarian Cancer work to improve early diagnosis, fund life-saving research and provide much-needed support to women with ovarian cancer. Their campaigns tackle the three biggest barriers to progress: late diagnosis, limited choice of treatments, and the isolation so often felt by those affected. They work with patients and their families and friends, politicians, policy makers, healthcare practitioners, the media and others in the field to deliver change.
- Show some love - Most importantly I want my mom to know that everyone loves her, everyone is backing her 100% and that I will do anything I possibly can to support her through this battle. If my mom sees me doing a 10k then hopefully she’ll believe anything is possible!! Game on.
Thanks for your time!
Cheers,
Ryan
