Ambassador. It’s a grand title, but if someone wants to give it to me, who am I to say no?
Especially when that someone – or something – is a cause as incredibly important as the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).
Many of you will know that last year I finally achieved my dream of running the London Marathon, thanks in no small part to the support of WCRF.
In return, thanks to your generosity, we managed to raise £3,300 for a cause which is close to my heart. I have seen two of my best friends taken by cancer, and like so many others I wanted to do a little something to try and ensure other people don’t have to go through what they did.
Since running London, I have kept in touch with the team at WCRF and it was a lovely surprise when last month they asked me to take up a role as ambassador with them.
For me, this role is all about raising awareness and keeping the vital work this wonderful charity does in the public eye. As such, I decided to take my new role to the road last weekend.
As a massive fan of all things parkrun, it seemed obvious to use the platform they provide to promote WCRF by donning my new running vest to take part in Edgbaston Reservoir parkrun.
While at Saturday’s event I was lucky enough to chat with a few people about their own cancer experiences – we all, sadly, have some don’t we? – and the work of WCRF.
My visit also allowed me to meet up with my parkrunning tourist buddy, Susan – she lives in Nottingham and I’m in Northampton, so Birmingham was a handy half-way Nendy house.
Susan has been through her own cancer journey, and she has offered to share a few words about her experience – and how exercise has helped.
This is what she told me: “Two-and-a-half years ago, almost to the day, post a major operation, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Michelle at parkrun.
“My life has changed somewhat in the past few years as the operation I had was to remove my thyroid due to cancer.
“I am now auto-immune, but also in one my fittest and healthiest periods of my life – which massively supported my recovery.
“I’ve chosen to make some lifestyle changes including giving up alcohol and caffeine. Plus I’ve been dabbling in triathlon – although after doing my first half distance, 1.9k swim, 90k ride and 21k run, I probably should admit I’m a triathlete.
“Sport hasn’t just aided my recovery, it’s reduced my side effects and has been a lifesaver for my mental health. It isn’t always easy, but I never regret and swim, ride, run or walk. Particularly on days like today spent with friends like Michelle at parkrun.”
It was great to catch-up with Susan, and hear more of her story. I hope it inspires you as much as it does me. I may have the grand title, but people like Susan are the heroes of this story.
If you’d like to learn more about WCRF, please visit their website: World Cancer Research Fund | Cancer Prevention and Pioneering research (wcrf-uk.org)
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