A mother of two from Hartley Vale who was diagnosed with cervical cancer two years ago is raising money for the charity which provided vital support as she and her family dealt with the shock news.
It was in July 2016 that Marie Anderson, who is 50, was told that she had an aggressive form of cervical cancer.
The devastating diagnosis came just a few months after she had taken part in the Plymouth Half Marathon
The devastating diagnosis came just a few months after she had taken part in the Plymouth Half Marathon – when she had never felt fitter or more healthy.
At the beginning of 2016 Marie had made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight and be more active.
Although in her late 40s at the time she started running on a daily basis with her younger sister Mandy and within three months was taking part in half marathons and 10k runs.
“I felt on top of the world, had lost more than three stone, and felt so fit and healthy,” said Marie.
So when she received a letter asking her to attend a routine cervical screening – previously known as a smear test – at her local surgery, Marie was totally at peace.
“I always attend all my medical appointments, so I went along for the test. I had had regular smear tests over the years – but this one was different because I started to bleed during the process.”
Her anxiety grew when she was called back for more tests, because abnormalities had been found.
After a further series of scans and tests, Marie and her husband Dean were told by the consultant at Derriford that Marie would require chemotherapy and intense radiotherapy because the cancer was more advanced than first thought.
Between the end of August and October 2016 Marie underwent intensive treatment and much to the relief of Dean and the rest of the family was given the all clear at the beginning of December.
Marie has set up a fund-raising page on Just Giving and has set a target of £250 – and hopes to raise more.
Marie said:
“Although I have been in remission for 20 months, what happened to me is always on my mind. Any unusual ache or pain sends my mind racing.”
Determined to get back into shape, Marie is now running again on a regular basis, has a personal trainer and attends Total Fitness in Mutley Plain.
She now wants to help Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, which provided invaluable support to Marie, her husband Dean and their grown-up children.
“The charity could not have been more helpful,” she said. “Their helpline was available 24/7 for me and my family and we could ask all the questions and share all our worries and concerns.”
She is now planning to run her first race since being diagnosed with cancer by taking part in the Dartmoor Vale 10k Road Race on October 28.
Marie has set up a fund-raising page on Just Giving and has set a target of £250 – and hopes to raise more.
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ann-marie-anderson5
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the UK’s only charity dedicated to those affected by cervical abnormalities and cervical cancer. Every day around two women die from cervical cancer and a further nine are diagnosed. The charity provides support and information services 24 hours a day and also has a wide range of resource material.
For more information visit www.jostrust.org.uk
