Publish date: 8 April 2024
A Tameside mum is preparing to take on the region’s biggest marathon after recovering from a gruelling battle with breast cancer.
Fay Hodgson was diagnosed with breast cancer at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020.
The 37-year-old underwent a mastectomy and an extensive spell of radiotherapy before finishing treatment in December 2020.
And she is now set to run the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 14 April, alongside husband David, to raise money for Tameside Hospital’s Breast Unit.
She received a cancer diagnosis just weeks after noticing a lump while getting changed and was told her breast would need to be removed following further tests.
Speaking about the surgery, Fay said: “I was just relieved that there was a plan and if it meant losing my breast then so be it!
“It’s crazy how quickly something so drastic can become your normal.”
After a successful operation, she went on to have several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and continues to receive hormone therapy to lower the risk of the cancer returning.
Fay and David have already smashed through their £1,000 target ahead of event day, where an estimated 30,000 runners will take to the streets of Manchester for the 26.2 mile challenge.
The mum of two to Evelyn (6) and Cooper (5) chose to fundraise for Tameside Hospital’s Breast Unit to help other patients during a cancer diagnosis, and to acknowledge the love and support given by staff during the most difficult of times.
“This is the charity and service that supported me when I was initially diagnosed. They were at the other end of the phone whenever I needed them for advice, support, or information,” Fay said.
“My Macmillan breast nurse, Steph was a guardian angel during my diagnosis and treatment. She kept me calm in many moments of panic, helped me make informed choices about my surgery options and helped everything make sense.
“To help me explain all of this to my children, a picture book was given to me by the Unit and it was so helpful in explaining everything to my two young children in a way that didn’t frighten them.
The money raised by Fay and David will go towards items such as underarm pillows, which provide comfort after surgery, picture books to support those with young children and other long-term support services for women who have undergone a mastectomy or received a breast cancer diagnosis.
“This is just a small way that we can say thank you and help them to support other women in the future.”
Emily Burgin, charity manager for Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity, said: “It has been amazing to see the commitment Fay and David have put into fundraising for our Breast Unit.
“The amount they have raised so far is absolutely amazing and will make a massive difference to our patients. I wish them the very best of luck for the marathon!”.
If you would like to read more about Fay’s story or support her fundraising, visit her Just Giving page.
