Most people associate me with running and wild swimming. You may have seen me out on the field at Fit Camp too. 

The first half of 2022 saw me tick off some more running achievements - RED January where I clocked up over 100 miles and P24 - a crazy 24 hour running challenge. 

During these runs I’d noticed my leg was starting to 'niggle’. It had been for a while. I put the pain down to all the running. 

The chronic pain wasn't easing. It was starting to effect daily life. I sought help with physio, private osteopathy, sports massage and acupuncture. I literally tried everything to stop the pain

I finally bit the bullet and went to my GP. Thankfully she listened to my symptoms and sent me for an X-ray. A MRI, CT scan and biopsy followed. This all happened in a very short space of time. It was a whirlwind of appointments. 

Life came to an abrupt halt back in August 2022 when the biopsy results confirmed I had a malignant growth in my leg. I was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma – a rare type of bone cancer. 

The pain in my thigh was caused by a 20cm tumour growing in the bone. I am not sure how long it had been growing but I definitely ran some miles on that tumour!

My treatment so far has involved a surgical resection to remove the diseased bone from my leg. I no longer have a thigh bone. It has been replaced with a temporary metal spacer. I have been measured for a custom built metal prosthesis which I hope will be ready soon. If this second operation is a success I should regain my mobility and hopefully return to physical activity which I love so much.

As I write this I'm still waiting for the second surgery. Life has changed overnight for me and my family. I didn't realise how much I took for granted. 

EDIT (May 2023): I have now had my second surgery. The temporary spacer has been replaced with a titanium implant. The operation was a success and I definitely felt much better post op than last time. Unfortunately my knee seized up between the surgeries and is causing problems with my mobility. I am hopeful that regular physio will loosen the knee and improve the range of movement. Snowdon is still in my sights. 

I know life won't ever be the same again but I'm hoping the 'new normal' will still enable me to take on the Snowdon challenge and make it to the summit. If nothing else, this challenge will be the motivation I need to get myself back on my feet.

The aim of this fundraiser is to make people aware of bone cancer and raise much needed funds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust. 

Any contribution, however big or small, will be  gratefully received.

The BCRT is the leading charity dedicated to fighting primary bone cancer. Their mission is to save lives and improve outcomes for people affected by primary bone cancer. They receive no government funding so rely entirely on the support of the public to continue their life saving work.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Naomi Brickett of ‘FitCamp with Naomi’ for suggesting this challenge and choosing to support the BCRT.

Thank you also to my lovely friend Laura for getting on board with the organising too.

#teambones   #snowdonforsally