Jess Plymouth Half Marathon

In November 2021, I received the devastating news that I had breast cancer. The journey that followed—surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy—was life-altering and overwhelming. I was terrified, but with the love and support of my family and friends, I managed to get through each day.

Then, just six months after finishing radiotherapy, we faced another heartbreak—losing my mum suddenly and unexpectedly. She was the most kind and loving person, and I will never forget the moment, after my diagnosis, when she sat beside me with tears streaming down her face and told me she would have gone through the treatment for me if she could. She would do anything for anyone, and I miss her every single day.

In the months that followed, feeling incredibly lost, we discovered 5K Your Way and their monthly meet-ups in Central Park. It felt like the perfect way to get some exercise and meet new people. What can I say? This group has been a saving grace. Becky welcomed us with open arms, and my fitness has improved in ways I never imagined.

Sadly, since then, my dad has been diagnosed with prostate cancer—yet another challenge for our family. Despite this, he continues to attend 5K Your Way, and many of the Park Runners know him as a regular marshal at the events.

I see 5K Your Way as my extended family, and I am truly grateful for every single person in the group. They helped me regain my fitness after such a grueling few years, and now, I want to give back. I never thought I’d be able to run 5K—yet here I am, taking on the challenge of running 21.1K in the Plymouth Half Marathon!

Thank you for your support—it means the world to me.

If you or someone you know is facing a cancer diagnosis and you would like to meet others that understand what you are going through and help encourage you to keep moving, this group is fantastic. We meet at the clock tower in Central Park every last Saturday of the month at 8.45am to walk/run 5K (or whatever you think you can do). No one gets left behind!