The Smith Sisters are running the London Marathon 2024 for Ovarian Cancer Action - to help raise awareness and support the much needed research that undoubtedly saved my life!

Sarah’s Personal Story:

In February 2023, I attended a bi-annual health check with no real concerns, after discovering a sizeable hardness/mass in my stomach the nurse sent me for further testing.

After meeting with a specialist gynaecologist I knew by the look on her face watching the screen something was not right. The next checks seemed to spiral; numerous blood tests, MRI scans, CT scans…

I was then introduced to my incredible oncologist Miss Alexandra Lawrence who advised we needed to remove two 14cm tumours and I was operated on within 5 days. Later, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer, a form of cancer that is not successfully treatable with chemotherapy. We had to prepare for a second (and hopefully final!!) operation that took place in May 2023.

I am so unbelievably grateful not only to the fantastic doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and staff at London Bridge Hospital but also to my amazing family, friends and colleagues who helped me physically get back on my feet again and everyone that messaged even when it’s so incredibly difficult to know what to say.

The facts:

- Ovarian Cancer is the 6th most common Cancer for females in the UK, with around 7,500 new cases every year. That’s 21 every single day !

- There are around 4,100 deaths of ovarian cancer every year in the UK.

- The survival rate for 10 or more years is currently ~35% . This is not good enough.

By the time London Marathon 2024 comes round I will be one year in remission.

Running with my sisters Natalie and Laura, who will be by side every step of the way, like they have been on this surreal journey so far.

So please … if you can donate (big or small) we are hugely grateful, and every penny will go towards new medical research and awareness organised by the fabulous Ovarian Cancer Action team that WILL help improve survival rates.

Thank you so so much - Laura, Sarah & Natalie

P.S.

Make this your reminder to go get that health check 🧡