In August 2020 I could not walk for more then 100 metres without stopping due to the excruciating pains in my back and leg. This coming Sunday October 17th 2021,  I will run a half marathon and I wanted to tell you why.

Come race day it will be almost exactly a year since my first chemotherapy treatment, having received the diagnosis that I had Lymphoma cancer. I remember being sat in the big treatment chair whist cancer nurses ensured I was safe and comfortable as they took control of the treatment of my body in order to help it back to health.

There are many things along my journey that I have still not quite processed, my experience of treatment was fast paced and to be honest I found it hard to think beyond what was happening each day. Perhaps that’s what kept my mind so positive, the old mantra that talks of ‘living in the moment’ is how I kept focused, but now in my remission stage those feelings of fear and ‘what if’ do creep in to my head.

My body and my control were someone else’s during that time and I will be eternally grateful that I was fortunate enough to respond to the great care and treatment I received. Now in my recovery I never take it for granted that my path could have been very different. So having control back of my body has pushed me to support it to thrive and that’s what I have done.

For the last six months I have been regularly training by running and building up strength and a resilience. Previous to my Cancer I would never have considered this, i took my strength and capabilities for granted. That will never happen again.  This is what has led me to getting to this half marathon stage. I have trained weekly with my dear friend Paul and I have seen my body become fearless. Now don’t get me wrong, my pain definitely isn’t over as I have developed osteoporosis and I live with a fractured vertebrae but I’m here and I’m seizing the day.

So this run is for me, for my body, for other bodies that are going through this and for those who could find themselves facing a similar situation. It’s also for the medical teams and the support networks I had throughout this experience so every single stride is for them too.

Please do give what you can and thank you for reading my story. Writing this is almost harder than the half marathon itself!

Thankyou.

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/