In April I will be running the London Marathon to raise money for the Maggie’s Centre at Bart’s Hospital. Despite being a keen runner for 25 years I have only run two marathons, and the last was 12 years ago. 

In May 2022 I was diagnosed with stage 4 or secondary breast cancer, a recurrence after being treated for primary breast cancer in 2014. It has metastasised to my brain and some of my bones, including my spine, pelvis and skull, and it is now classed as incurable.

I have spent a large part of the past 12 months undergoing treatment, in the form of two surgeries, chemotherapy, targeted treatment, hormone treatment and cyberknife radiotherapy to my skull and brain. In spite of this, I have kept as active as possible, which I believe has helped reduce the side effects of what is a very gruelling treatment regime, which continues indefinitely.

The Maggie’s Centre at Bart’s was opened in 2017, so whilst I watched it being built as I underwent cancer treatment for the first time, I was unable to benefit from its services. Little did I know that in only a few years it would play such a pivotal role in my subsequent treatment.

It is hard to explain why a Maggie’s Centre is so important in hospitals that treat cancer patients, and why I am so grateful that there now is one at Bart’s. The centre provides a place to go that is entirely separate from the clinical aspect of the hospital - it is a beautiful space that is warm and welcoming without the constant hustle and bustle of a busy hospital waiting room. The staff are specially trained to deal with the non clinical aspects of a cancer diagnosis. They provide psychological support in the form of individual or group therapy, so whilst my oncologist is taking care of my physical disease, Maggie's is key to helping me cope mentally with such a devastating diagnosis. They provide practical help too - how to cope financially, claim benefits, apply for travel insurance, deal with issues at work, write a will, provide advice on nutrition and exercise - things that sometimes can seem overwhelming on top of everything else. When you're diagnosed with cancer you need much more than just medical treatment and Maggie's helps provide the care the NHS cannot.

My fundraising target is £3000 which is the amount it costs to keep the Maggie's Centre at Bart’s open for just one day. 

My training starts on New Year’s Day, and whilst I am relishing the challenge, I am also apprehensive as I don’t know how my body is going to cope with marathon training on top of cancer treatment. I am also acutely aware that £3000 is a big ask, especially during this period of financial instability in the world. 

Any amount you can give, however small, will spur me out in the rain, wind and snow this winter to make sure I am in the shape of my life when I stand at the start line in April. 

Thank you from me and the team at Maggie’s Bart’s.

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