Helen Banwell is running the Sutcliffe & Co Worcester City 10K next month to raise money for Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven.
“If I’m honest, I’ve always been pretty strong-willed and driven, but I wasn’t a runner until the start of last year.
Having built myself up to running several times a week, and having just hit the 5K mark, I was in the best shape of my life when I found a lump in my right breast last April, and was diagnosed with breast cancer in May.
Feeling extremely low the day after diagnosis, I made myself go out for a run. I needed the endorphins! It gave me time to think and reflect, and realise that I wanted to turn my time of adversity into something positive, that would not only show my 13 year old daughter that you can face challenges head on, but that would motivate me to get out and keep fit on days when I wanted to curl up and hide from my new reality.
It turned out that the lump I found wasn’t the cancer but a cyst, with the cancer being too small to be felt and also not seen on a mammogram. I’m in no doubt that the thorough approach and dedicated breast care facilities at WBUH meant my cancer was diagnosed and treated early. I also know that the support that I, and my family, have received during this challenging time has been over and above what would be available without this amazing charity.
Last May, I set myself the challenge to run 100km in the 4 weeks before my surgery to raise money for the WBUH. It was as much for myself as anything, as it gave a focus and distraction, and also a good way to tell people about my diagnosis without it just being ‘bad news.’ I hit 100km with a couple of days to spare and was fitter than ever, no doubt helping my recovery as well.
While recovering from my second surgery last July, I set myself a new challenge to keep raising for the WBUH – to run the Worcester 10K just 8 weeks later.
It wasn’t smooth sailing for a few weeks, but getting back to running, and having a target to aim for (and being very stubborn!), gave me the positive mindset to keep going.
After a tough winter, recovering from the rest of my treatment, the WBUH has again supported me to get back to fitness, with hydrotherapy, Pilates and PT sessions, and with complimentary therapies to help with ongoing pain issues, amongst other things. They have also always been there on the end of the phone when needed.
Now I’m back to running 5K a few times a week, I’m focusing on my next target – running the Worcester City 10K this September to again raise money for the charity that supports all men and women throughout Worcestershire with their breast care needs, and that has given me and my family so much over the past year.”
Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven is the only local breast cancer charity fundraising and supporting solely Worcestershire patients. Providing practical and emotional support to the women and men of Worcester with their breast care needs, and working closely with the NHS specialist breast care team, they aim to provide the best possibly care in the best possible environment.
