I was diagnosed with stage 2 classical Hodgkin lymphoma on May 26 2022 after finding a lump in my neck a couple of months prior. I am running the Great North Run for Lymphoma Action as their work is fundamental for helping lymphoma patients cope with diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

I first heard of Lymphoma Action whilst sitting in a waiting room, nervously anticipating meeting my oncologist for the first time, when my dad read a poster on the wall advertising an online support group for lymphoma patients. Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most common cancers amongst young adults, and so knowing other people were out there with the same condition as me was remarkably reassuring, and seeking a cancer community was vitally important to me. At the same appointment I was given an incredible Lymphoma Action handbook by my nurse specialist, which provided the perfect level of information for every step of my journey and was fundamental to helping those closest to me understand what my body was going through.

Following four months of chemotherapy, I am delighted to be cancer free, and I am grateful for all the clear, concise, and accessible information that Lymphoma Action offered me. As I learn to live with life after lymphoma, their wonderful resources continue to provide advice and support.

Additionally, I am running the Great North Run in memory of my much loved and missed Auntie Maureen, who lived with cancer for 20 years and died on the same day that I received my diagnosis. It would have been her birthday on September 8^th. She has been with me throughout my cancer journey and I’m sure will be with me on the day of the race too.

Thank you for reading my story. I would be extremely grateful if you could contribute to my fundraising goal to help Lymphoma Action continue their incredible work.

“Lymph, Laugh, Love”

Eleanor x

Lymphoma Action is the UK’s only charity dedicated to lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer. We’ve been providing in-depth, expert information and wide-ranging support for over 30 years, helping thousands of people affected by lymphoma. Our work drives improvements in the diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of lymphoma. We’re here for everyone affected by lymphoma. https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/