A mum has spoken out about the way cancer turned her life upside down weeks before the birth of her second child.
Eleanor Thomson from Leeds, was 32 weeks pregnant with her second daughter when the family had the devastating news that her husband, Andy, was diagnosed with testicular cancer. But while Andy would go on to have surgery, followed by chemotherapy, and able to fully recover, the family's battle with cancer had only just begun.
Eleanor said: "Looking back to when I was heavily pregnant, we had a toddler and Andy was having chemo, we couldn’t have got through that tough period without the support of our families.
“Both Andy and I would always urge people to see their GP immediately if they find a lump."
Eight years after civil engineer Andy's diagnosis, Eleanor found a lump in her breast. At first, it was thought that it was a benign cyst but a mammogram and ultrasounds suggested some concerning changes.
A biopsy confirmed Eleanor had early stage breast cancer just before she turned 43. The following year, Eleanor had a mastectomy, followed by reconstructive surgery six months later using muscle and skin from her back.
Now, at 50, Eleanor remains cancer free after going for annual mammograms and lives a happy life as a local councillor for the Guiseley and Rawdon ward.
The mum to Lizzie, 17, and Gracie, 15, said her experience has prompted her to set herself a series of physical challenges including Swimathon and the London and Leeds marathons. She is also set to swim 1.5k at Aireborough Leisure Centre in Guiseley this March to raise money for Cancer Research UK, the end of life charity Marie Curie and Swimathon Foundation. She is also trying to encourages others to take part in the fundraiser between March 21 and April 21.
She said: “Our shared experience means I understand all too clearly why events like Swimathon are so crucial to help fund the work of charities like Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie that rely on our support.”
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Leeds, Jane Bullock, said: “Thanks to the generosity and commitment of supporters like Eleanor, our scientists have played a role in around half of the world’s essential cancer drugs, led the development of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and paved the way for targeted treatments. But with nearly one in two people diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, we must go further and faster.
“There are lots of great benefits to taking part in Swimathon, not least the chance to enjoy the water while supporting people like Eleanor. That’s why we’re urging swimmers to take the plunge, raise money and help us to keep making new discoveries and breakthroughs. Together we are beating cancer.”
National Events Manager for Marie Curie, Hannah Grant, said: “Swimathon is a fun and family friendly way for people to take on a new challenge and raise money for a good cause. Every five minutes, someone in the UK dies without the care they need. No matter what your ability, just by heading down to your local pool this March you can raise money to help Marie Curie continue to bring expert palliative and end of life care to more people, whatever their illness.”
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