On 27th April, I am running the 2025 Manchester Marathon and raising money for Chordoma UK. As many people know, this is a charity close to our hearts as my wonderful fiance, Harriet, was diagnosed with this rare type of bone cancer in Summer 2024. I have shared her story below.

Chordoma is a very rare form of primary bone cancer that affects around 1 in every 1 million people. Unfortunately there is currently no known cure for Chordoma and it is best managed through surgery and radiotherapy.

Any money raised will go directly to this Charity and fund the research needed to find a cure for this disease!

Harriets story:

Harriet had neck pain from March 2024 that became severe and needing medical attention by June 2024. In July, Harriet was admitted to the Manchester Royal Infirmary as a result of scans showing a mass in her upper cervical spine (neck). She was put on bed rest for 3 weeks and told she must remain in a neck collar due to her spine now being unstable (the cancer had effectively destroyed some of the bone in her spine). During this time, Harriet was transported by Ambulance to Birmingham where a specialist was able to undertake a biopsy. Results showed that Harriet had a high-grade Chordoma.

After months of planning, Harriet underwent a successful surgery in October 2024 at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. The surgery was around 8 hours long and saw her have ‘occupitocervical fixation’ to replace the strength lost by her spine (bone replaced by titanium) and transoral debulking of the tumor (removed through the back of her mouth).

Unfortunately, scans in January showed that the tumor had regrown. A major setback but handled admirably with Harriets usual strength and determination! Further debulking of the tumor was again successful by the same surgical team. We are so thankful for the hard work of the Surgeons, Doctors and Nurses.

Harriet is now undergoing Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) at the Christie Hospital in Manchester. The treatment is every day, Monday-Friday, for almost 9 weeks and will conclude in May. It is hoped that the radiation delivered by the PBT will control what remains of this cancer and see Harriet return to normality!

Harriet I know you hate sympathetic compliments. However, you are an inspiration and the way you have navigated this time in your life with such courage and positivity is staggering. You should be proud of yourself just like I, your family, and all of those near to you are!