So here’s my crazy challenge to complete 12 half marathons in 12 months, during the last year of my 40’s.

I will be running 12 half marathons between 19/11/24 and 17/11/25.

I have been lucky enough to get a charity place with Breast Cancer Now for Royal Parks HM on 12th October 2025, this will be my final half of my challenge. BCN have kindly sent my running vest already so I can wear for each of my Half Marathons, this is so I can raise as much money throughout my challenge for them.

They won’t all be paid organised events some will be my own route locally, I hope friends/running community can join me whether that’s supporting me by donating, spectating, taking part in same events or just coming along for a few km’s on my non paid events. I will be keeping this page and facebook up to date along the way so if you’re wanting to join me you can.

I’m sure most of you will know the reason for my chosen charity but of course it’s due to having such a wonderful older sister Nikki who has been an inspiration and through her determination and positivity has continued as much as she can her running journey despite Breast Cancer. We share a passion for running, as well as wearing the same gear (without meaning to😂), enjoy our fancy dress and regular Monday runs. Known over the years as Sisters with Blisters, Bacchus Babes, and many times each of us being called Jo or Nikki by mistake as we are usually always together 🥰

Here is my sisters story……

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In May 2022 I found a lump in my breast, I phoned my GP surgery and was seen the same day, as a result of the examination the GP referred me straight to the Peggy Wood breast clinic at Maidstone Hospital and explained I would be seen as part of the cancer 2-week fast track system.

The following week, I had a mammogram, followed an ultrasound scan and biopsy all on the same day and was told an appointment would be made for 2 weeks later to go back for the results.

I went back for the results on my own, partly as COVID arrangements were still in place and partly because I thought I was going to receive good news, how wrong was I!

At the meeting I met my breast care consultant/surgeon Miss Cox and a breast care nurse, who explained that I had Grade2 invasive ductal carcinoma which was Oestrogen and Progesterone receptor positive and HER2 negative. I was shell shocked: this happens to other people, surely, I didn't have cancer!

My consultant discussed the options available to me and another appointment was booked to discuss the finer details of the operation and a date for the operation. Due to the type and size of the cancer I would be having a mastectomy and elected to have immediate reconstruction with an implant early in July 2022.

I then had the task of coming to terms with what my body was going to be going through and telling family and friends. It was a lot to take in. I soon became an expert in the terminology after wading through all of the literature I was given.

I was only just recovering from my first major breast operation to then have another, which was tough. This time it was to have all of my lymph nodes removed as the cancer had spread to some of these.

In November 2022, I started the gruelling regime of Chemotherapy. In total I had 8 sessions over a 5 month period. I lost my hair after the 2nd session and decided against a wig and opted for headscarves instead. Overall, the side effects I suffered where minimal, partly thanks to a very expensive anti sickness tablet which worked a treat after being violently sick after my 1st session.

Radiotherapy then followed 15 sessions over a 3-week period. I was tired from this, but just kept thinking it's nearly over.

In June 2023, my hair started to grow back and I started on Letrozole and Abemaciclib tablets all as preventative measures to hopefully stop the cancer from coming back. The tablets have been one of the biggest challenges with side effects that I still suffer with now, including unexpected sudden diarrhoea, achy legs and tiredness.

Fast forward to February 2024, when my surgeon performed a breast deduction on my right side to even me up. This was important psychologically for me and would mark the end of the road in my recovery from all of the surgery. However, nothing is straightforward and my implant on my left side had capsulated due to the radiotherapy and therefore needed to be removed and replaced. This was another blow and 2 operations later, with prolonged recovery due to scar healing issues I am fully recovered.

Having just had my 2nd post cancer mammogram, I am celebrating all clear results, which means there is no evidence of the disease in my breasts at this moment in time.

The love and support from family, friends and the NHS has been incredible and I thank you all for this, it's certainly what kept me going through the dark times both physically and mentally ❤️

My understanding of breast cancer has certainly changed. I promised myself to stay as fit and healthy as possible, to increase awareness of primary and secondary breast cancer to others and that is why it's so important to raise as much money as possible for the incredible charity Breast Cancer Now. I am incredibly grateful to my sister for taking on the challenge of 12 half marathons in 12 months for this worthy cause.

Although my running has taken a backseat over the last couple of years, I hope to be able to complete some of these runs with Jo.

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Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.