In June 2023 my friend and neighbour Julie was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer. Julie is 42 years old, has two young sons (8 and 11), loves walking, was just about to graduate and begin the rest of her life and had so many plans for the summer and beyond. Like most people when someone they care for share this kind of news with us my immediate thought was how unfair it was, quickly followed by what could I do? Of course I offered a listening ear and any practical help that I might be able to provide but it didn't feel like enough. A chance conversation led me along the road to the London Marathon 2024.

I had a place for the London Marathon in 2023 but wasn't able to run it as my degenerative knee condition had prevented training despite three steroid injections and support from a wonderful physio (my knee issues haven't been caused by running and the orthopeadic consultant says that it isn't making them worse) so I had concluded that my marathon running days were behind me. I ran my first London in 2012 as my friend Jacko was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour that killed him ten weeks later so I decided to use my place to raise some money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Julie had already told me how helpful she had found Macmillan, from cold caps to counselling and much more, so I asked her if she'd like me to raise some money for them. Julie was keen on the idea so we had a plan with just one problem - I didn't have a place in next years marathon! Cue a race to get fit enough to run a Good For Age time before the deadline which fortunately I was able to do. Now all that remains is to train through the winter (NOT my favourite time of year to run) and raise as much as I can. I have paid for my place in the race and will pay for all of my costs so every penny raised will go to Macmillan to enable them to continue to support people. I will be very grateful for however much you can spare. Every penny counts.

Thanks for reading this far and (hopefully!) supporting my fundraising. Macmillan gives people with cancer everything they’ve got. If you’re diagnosed, your worries are Macmillan’s worries. Macmillan’s doing whatever it takes. But without your help, Macmillan can’t support everyone who needs them.

A word from the woman herself:

On 13th June 2023, I was told I had cancer. From then on my whole world started to change.

I had been diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer, which was soon discovered to have spread to my lymph glands. Surgery followed in August and I’m now undergoing chemotherapy, soon to be followed by radiotherapy.

Nothing can prepare you for a cancer diagnosis, and it is very difficult to come to terms with. But one thing I am eternally grateful for is the support of those I know, from family and close friends to those I don’t even know that well, everyone has offered their comfort and support, and they don’t come much bigger than a 26-mile marathon!

I know that Julie is navigating past injuries and a gruelling training regime which takes her through the dark and icy winter months!

Julie has kindly asked me to dedicate the fundraising from her 2024 London Marathon to a chosen cancer charity, and I have chosen Macmillan.

From the day I was diagnosed, Macmillan have been there to offer me whatever they can. From emotional support to guidance on how to tell our children, from wellbeing workshops to the ‘cold cap machines’ donated to the chemotherapy department which has enabled me to keep some of my hair, and from counselling to just having somewhere warm and comfortable to sit whilst waiting for appointments.

Macmillan campaign for better cancer care, carryout crucial research and provide support to people living with cancer, as well as their loved ones.

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