My Story
Saxon Spires Practice are proud to be a Parkrun practice and are launching a fundraising event for Cancer research to support our very own Dr Northover who will share her story below: Hi! I’m Susie Northover Those that know me will know that I am passionate about walking. Walking for health. Walking for wellbeing. Walking for mindfulness. Walking for transport (!) I have completed many walking challenges over the years, the longest of which was my 24h continuous walk in the local area in which I completed around 64miles. I have extolled the benefits of exercise and walking to my patients throughout my career as a GP and sports medic and believe that many of my patients have benefited. I hope that this challenge will encourage more people to see the benefits of walking. In June 2024, I was forced to retire due to ill health when I was diagnosed with a rare and incurable brain tumour known as glioblastoma. This is Brian, my brain tumour… (see picture below) There are very limited treatment options for this type of cancer and treatment has not changed in decades as nothing new has been found. The tumour can be partially removed by surgery, but a bit like a fungus, leaves tendrils behind which inevitably regrow, making it incurable. Chemotherapy can hold it at bay for a while, but generally prognosis is poor. In recent years however, Cancer Research UK have been funding some trials in to the use of immunotherapy drugs for glioblastoma, and the genetics involved in these types of tumour. For me personally, this research is critical, as I have one of the specific gene mutations being studied, as well as two other mutations potentially passed on within my family which may well also prove to be relevant as the research continues. Sadly, it is quite possible that I may have passed on my genetic mutations to my children and so the ongoing research could make a direct difference for my family as well as myself. Cancer Research UK do so much for ALL types of cancer research, but in particular for rarer cancers like glioblastoma and for cancer genetics. So anything you can donate will make a huge difference to REAL cancer treatment progress. Please DONATE and PLEASE WALK whether you donate or not! I am determined to get more people out there seeing the benefits! Join us on March 22nd 2025 at 9am at Brixworth Parkrun. This is an accessible event, you can walk, jog, roll or be pushed. https://www.parkrun.org.uk/brixworthcountry/
