My Story
Just over 30 years ago, my mother, Mary, fell ill with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, underwent chemotherapy, then suffered a relapse which meant another cycle of chemotherapy, after which, ignoring the bleak prognosis, she recovered and lived for another 25 years! Thanks to amazing NHS care and a determined nature, she made it through. Exactly 5 years ago, in March 2017, I was training to run my first ever half marathon (a bit late at age 62!), here in Cambridge, in order to raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of my mother. But I felt unwell and was losing stamina, so I had to pull out. Two days before the half marathon event I too was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia - nothing inherited, just bad luck. It can happen to anyone. Chemotherapy - remission - and so far so good! Five years on, and equally grateful to the NHS for their amazing skill and care (and to Pippa for hers), I am preparing to have another go at running my first half marathon for CRUK. The chemotherapy has left my bone marrow a bit battered but I'll give it a good go. At least Luna, the dog, is enjoying the training runs. Like many cancer patients, I have experienced the brutal side-effects of treatment and found myself learning a lot about the daunting variety and complexity of cancers. But I have also learned about the extraordinary progress in discovering completely new kinds of treatment, far more effective and selective. More and more kinds of cancer can now be treated in new ways. I hope I never have to find out the latest scientific updates for my particular variety of leukaemia. But this is a time of real hope for anyone who may some day - themselves or friend or family - be affected by cancer. And that means most of us. Doors to potential new or improved treatments are opening all the time and the pace of progress is determined mainly by the availability of funding. Cancer research has kept me alive, so for me this half marathon is one tiny way of giving back and helping the research that will hopefully keep millions more alive and well in future. Please give what you can. THANK YOU!
