At the start of 2022 my colleague, Emma, had been suffering from a range of symptoms, but these were dismissed as a variety of different conditions, including pregnancy and IBS. Doctors couldn't pin down what was wrong with her.

In September 2022 Emma finally got a diagnosis. At the age of just 23, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer and a 30cm cyst. She had 2 major surgeries and 6 sessions of chemotherapy over 18 weeks. She had her last chemotherapy session in April 2023 and on 9th May 2023 she was given the all clear! She has since started her return to work but is still awaiting one more surgery.

Following Emma's successful treatment her sister Jess decided it would be a good idea for a group of our colleagues, and Emma's friends/family to raise funds and awareness for the charity that supported Emma: The Robin Cancer Trust.

As Emma is also an Army cadet instructor, her sister Jess decided it would be fitting to do the PARAS' 10. This 10 mile race, hosted by the Parachute Regiment, is run over the same course as the Parachute Regiment's 10 mile selection march on the ranges at the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick in North Yorkshire. Competitors have to run the course wearing long trousers, boots, and carrying a 35lbs rucksack. Some of us will be running the race under these hard conditions. Some of us will be opting for the unweighted 10 mile run option. Either way, it is a very tough event, run over a tough course, and will be a challenge for everyone, whichever option they choose!

"PREPARE TO MARCH!!!" 🥾🥾

The Robin Cancer Trust is the UK's germ cell cancer community - thrir mission is to stop young adults dying from germ cell cancer.

Please donate what you can to help fund online cancer awareness campaigns, life-saving educational talks, and support services for individuals and families affected by germ cell cancer.