Inspirational runners’ line-up for the London Marathon to raise awareness at the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I’d discovered a sort of lump and funny shape to my right breast. It was a bit of shock as I felt so healthy at the time. I phoned the doctor and was referred for tests.

From them on I was plunged into this alien world of scans, biopsies, operations, drains, and medications. Within a couple of weeks, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went into shock, followed by denial. There were a lot of tears with my children.

I’d started running in 2020, to get out of the house and become fitter during lockdown. Together, under medical supervision and with my training partner, I carried on training. I was determined to keep to a plan and fulfil my lifelong dream of running a marathon. I ran 20 miles for the first time recently – a real milestone for me.

I’m nervous, this marathon is massive for me. It’s around a year since I was diagnosed, but I hope to raise thousands of pounds to raise awareness of breast cancer and help fund vital services provided by Tenovus Cancer Care.

Michelle’s passing is still raw for me. My biggest challenge during the London Marathon will be trying not to break down.

I have this mental block, usually around nine miles, where the memories of my sister start to flood back, and I sometimes need to take a breather there and compose myself. She was the most amazingly kind woman – a bubbly personality and the life and soul of everything. I miss her so much.

I’m running in tribute to Michelle but I’m also raising awareness of breast cancer, the earlier it’s caught the better, but I’m also giving something back by raising funds for Tenovus Cancer Care - so others can receive the same invaluable support my sister had from the charity.

It was a cruel twist of fate that cancer returned after Michelle was given the all-clear but that’s not the case for a growing majority. It is so important to check yourself, to spot the signs and symptoms early, to make a full recovery. I will be wearing my pink Tenovus Cancer Care T-shirt with pride on October 2^nd!

Our runners this year will be raising awareness of breast cancer and to help support services Tenovus Cancer Care provides to all those affected by cancer. That includes our Benefits Advice service, our Counselling service, our professional nurse-led Support Line, and our befriending service Tele-friends.

These services will become vital for people affected by cancer as we enter an uncertain period of austerity and financial hardship.

We are thankful to Lindsey and Kevin and all our participants this year, including a team of runners from Redkite Solicitors, for running this marathon to raise greatly needed funds for us. We are also grateful to Sian Lloyd for helping to raise awareness of how to check your breast in our informative video.