Jane Thompson

On 20th July 2009, the first day of the long anticipated school summer holidays, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. "Excuse me?" I said to my Doctor in disbelief, "there must be some mistake .... I'm fit, I'm healthy and I'M ONLY 42!”. Sadly there was no mistake and the ensuing 4 months were to be some of the toughest of my life. Our summer holidays, needless to say, were ruined. However, it transpired that I was to be one of the lucky ones. The lump, which I found myself during a routine check, was caught before it had spread to the rest of my body and hence my treatment was to be comparatively swift.

My experience then, relatively speaking, was a positive one, thanks largely to the charities who work so tirelessly to raise awareness amongst women like me to check themselves and on ever-improving treatment programmes. It has left me with a deep-seated desire to give something back to those charities that helped ultimately to save my life.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer became my chosen charity because it was their TLC campaign that raised my own awareness to check myself. I decided to take on a double challenge by taking part in both the Great North and Great South runs. My long-dreamed of participation in the Great North Run (because I am a Geordie!) was certainly worth the wait - what a truly awesome day. It lived up to, and then surpassed all my expectations. Running across the Tyne Bridge with the Smurfs, the Banana-men and the man carrying a fridge on his back (why?!) was such an iconic moment for me and I genuinely felt I had sprouted wings. I finished it in 2hours 10 - exactly 10 minute miles - which, for me, was quick! The Great South Run - a 10 mile race in Portsmouth (another place close to my heart) was equally atmospheric with some amazing local support and fantastic bands en route, and I finished that in 1 hour 37 - slightly quicker than the North, (but the fact that it was totally flat may have had something to do with it!)

My main aim from completing this double challenge was very much to spread the word as far and wide as possible - I felt I would never forgive myself if I didn't make the effort to raise awareness when (and sadly it will be a 'when') the next person gets diagnosed. If I can help that person have as positive an experience of breast cancer (relatively speaking, of course) as I had then I will be happy I did a good job. I am happy to say I also raised over £2,300 in the process!