In 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent the standard treatment of surgery, chemo and radiotherapy - it was tough but with the support of my family and friends I made it through. I was put on herceptin, a relatively new targeted therapy and got on with my life. I started having headaches and in July 2017 I was given the devastating news that I had 2 lesions in my brain. I had a double craniotomy followed by 3 sessions of stereotatic radiosurgery (really fancy radiotherapy). Even 2 years before this simply wouldn't have been possible. I am currently having treatment for a recurrence, I had a craniotomy in Nov 2018 and one session of SRS at end of Jan 2019.

I am literally being kept alive by research and the progress that is being made every day

So I am challenging myself by taking part in Swimathon 2019 – the World’s largest annual fundraising swim.

Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie are calling on the nation to get down to the pool for Swimathon 2019 – thousands of swimmers, two great causes, one big charity challenge.

Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading cancer charity is dedicated to saving lives through research. They don’t receive any government funding for their work, so their progress is all thanks to the support of people like you.

Marie Curie provides expert care, guidance and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. Around 2,100 Marie Curie Nurses work day and night, in people’s homes all over the UK, providing hands-on care to people when they need it most. 

On 29^th – 31^st March 2019, over 21,000 swimmers will be heading down to over 600 pools across the UK to raise money for our two amazing charity partners. 

Together we can really make a difference. We invite our swimmers to tell their story to help spread awareness and raise vital funds for these two incredible causes.