Running the London Marathon after cancer: Michelle’s story
- Life after Cancer
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
We're delighted to celebrate Michelle, one of our incredible Life after Cancer community members, who took on the London Marathon in support of our work.
After completing treatment for breast cancer, Michelle experienced first-hand the challenges that can come with adjusting to life after cancer. Through her determination and generosity, she not only completed the iconic 26.2-mile challenge but also raised an incredible £2,696.14 to help ensure more people can access free support after cancer treatment.
We asked Michelle to share her story.
What inspired you to take on this fundraising challenge for Life after Cancer?
As a breast cancer survivor (TNBC), I knew I wanted to fundraise for a cancer organisation. Having participated in several calls and workshops with Life after Cancer, the work they do really resonated with me because I was struggling through my own survivorship.
I also wanted to raise funds for an organisation where I knew every penny would truly make a difference in the lives of the people they support.
What was life like after finishing cancer treatment?
Like many people, my breast cancer diagnosis (TNBC) came completely out of the blue after a routine mammogram.
I spent 18 months in treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and oral chemotherapy. Then suddenly, it was over. I was "cured."
Little did I know that this was when the real challenge would begin.
During treatment, you're surrounded by incredible people - oncology teams, infusion nurses, radiotherapy teams and surgeons - and you feel very well cared for. Once treatment finishes, however, much of that support disappears.
It's suddenly, "You're doing great now. We'll see you in six months for your next scan."
That can be terrifying.
Every ache and pain makes you wonder whether the cancer has returned. You live with a constant fear of the unknown. Looking back, my worst mental health days have happened during survivorship rather than during treatment itself.
How has Life after Cancer supported you?
The thing I talk about most today is survivorship.
Too many people - including doctors and organisations - believe that once treatment finishes, cancer is over.
But cancer is never really done.
Three years after surgery, there may be no evidence of cancer in my body, but it's still in my mind every single day.
Life after Cancer has helped me work through that. Cancer remains on my mind daily, but it no longer drives my everyday choices.
Their focus on survivorship addresses such an underserved part of the cancer journey. They've built a community where people truly understand each other and remind you that you are not alone.
"Cancer remains on my mind every day, but it isn't driving my daily choices anymore."
What was it like training for the London Marathon after cancer?
Hard! Marathons are never easy, but this one was different.
Before my diagnosis in December 2022, I'd already completed three marathons. Training for those was challenging enough, but training after cancer brought an entirely new set of obstacles.
My body has changed. It's a different shape, I'm now post-menopausal, and treatment has left me with unexpected side effects that only became obvious when I pushed myself physically.
And mentally, I'm a different person too.
The hardest part was learning not to compare the post-cancer me with the pre-cancer me. I had to give myself grace, accept the differences and recognise that simply turning up was an achievement.
Training demanded a huge amount of physical and mental energy, although I was grateful to be training through the winter rather than the hot, humid summers where I live.
What was the most meaningful moment of the London Marathon?
There were so many.
I've reflected a lot on marathon day since crossing the finish line, and the one word that keeps coming back to me is joyous.
It was, without question, the most joyous thing I've done since my diagnosis.
The crowds were incredible, the atmosphere was electric and the support was overwhelming. Throughout the race, I kept thinking, I can't believe I'm actually here.
Oddly, the running itself almost became secondary to the experience. Of course, covering 26.2 miles is hard, but the energy of the crowd carried me every step of the way.
One moment stands out above all the others.
When I was growing up, my parents listened to Squeeze a lot. One of their songs, Pulling Mussels (From the Shell), became my song because, as a child, I genuinely believed they were singing "Pulling Mussels for Michelle."
On marathon day, I knew exactly where some friends would be cheering.
As I turned the corner just after mile nine, I wasn't looking for their faces first - I saw their sign.
It read: "Pulling Muscles for Michelle."
They had remembered that story I'd shared years before.
Not only did it help me spot them in the crowd, but it made me smile and cry at exactly the same time.
I felt honoured to be there, grateful for their support and incredibly lucky to share that moment with them.
I even brought the sign home with me. It's now framed and waiting to be hung on my wall.
What would you say to someone considering taking on their own fundraising challenge after cancer?
Do it.
It doesn't have to be a marathon. It doesn't even have to be something physical. It simply needs to be something you're passionate about.
For me, fundraising wasn't just about giving back to an organisation that has supported me so much, it was about helping others who are walking a similar path.
Knowing I've helped this community, and continuing to share my story, gives me hope that fewer survivors will feel alone.
A huge thank you to Michelle
By taking on the London Marathon, Michelle raised an incredible £2,696.14 to support Life after Cancer. Every pound raised will help us continue providing free coaching programmes, support groups, wellbeing walks, workshops and resources for people rebuilding their lives after cancer treatment.
Michelle, thank you for every training run, every marathon mile and every pound you raised. Most of all, thank you for sharing your story so openly and helping others know they are not alone.
Take on your own fundraising challenge
Whether you're thinking about running a marathon, organising a coffee morning, taking on a personal challenge or celebrating a special occasion with a fundraiser, we'd love to support you.
Every fundraiser, big or small, helps us reach more people who need support after cancer treatment.
Find out more about fundraising for Life after Cancer and help us ensure that no one has to face life after cancer alone.
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