Emil is taking on the Manchester Marathon to raise money for the Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, who have been caring for me since I was unexpectedly diagnosed with thyroid cancer in November 2025.

From the moment of my diagnosis, the consultants at the Liverpool Head and Neck Centre at Aintree acted with incredible speed and expertise. I underwent a 5.5-hour, life-saving operation to remove my thyroid along with 51 lymph nodes from my neck.

I could not have gotten through the past few months with out Emil and my family and friends. My journey with thyroid cancer is not quite over as this month, I will begin preventative treatment in the hope that the cancer never returns 💜.

I feel unbelievably lucky that my cancer was found when it was, and even luckier to have been treated by such an outstanding Ear, Nose and Throat team at Aintree Hospital. Their care, skill and compassion have meant everything to me.

Although thyroid cancer is still considered rare, cases are increasing and there is little understanding as to why. I had absolutely no symptoms, but common signs can include:

A lump in the neck

Night sweats

Extreme fatigue

Changes in your voice

Difficulty swallowing

Our bodies can have very subtle and strange ways of telling us when something isn’t right. If you feel suddenly different, advocate for yourself. And please remember: every month, check your boobs, check your balls, and check your necks!

The Liverpool Head and Neck Centre (LHNC) brings together internationally recognised clinical expertise and research to continually improve the quality and safety of patient care. They are also actively researching new, less invasive treatments for thyroid cancer—work that will make a real difference for future patients.