A mother-of-two with secondary breast cancer is taking on the London Marathon to thank hospital staff.
Janet Kelly, 58, from Beckenham, was diagnosed with secondary stage four breast cancer in May 2016 – the second time she had been diagnosed with cancer in her life since the first time in 2003.
Now, she’s running the London Marathon to raise money for the staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital who have helped her through this incredibly difficult time.
Janet said: “When I first got the news, I thought I was going to be dead by the end of the year. After going through this once before, I started thinking the worst.
“Though I know the cancer will progress, I’ve decided I need to make the most of the time I have now.
“The care I’ve received at Guy’s has been so fantastic.
“I am absolutely in awe of the place and their staff. From the minute you walk through the door to the moment you leave, everyone is so kind.
“I’m not a runner by any stretch of the imagination, but after I saw on Facebook that you can run the marathon and raise money for Guy’s Cancer, I thought ‘Go on then, I can have a go at that’.
Janet is regularly monitored and treated in the Cancer Centre at Guy’s. Following her 2016 diagnosis, she underwent targeted radiotherapy in the hospital.
While there was no evidence of cancer after the therapy, the nature of secondary cancer means it could return at any moment, and Janet still takes drugs for the condition.
She will be cheered on by Derek, her husband of more than 30 years, as well as their children Jack, 29, and Rosie, 27.
“I’ve had a few moments where I’ve been a bit down on myself and doubted whether or not I can do this,” she said, “but I give myself a good talking to. I watch it every year on the TV and I know if I don’t end up doing it, I’ll regret it.
“Though it’s been tough, I’d say that the diagnosis has changed my perspective on life. I probably would have never run a marathon if the cancer hadn’t come back.”
Clinical oncology consultant Professor Elinor Sawyer stated she was very impressed by Janet, saying: “she even inspired me to start running.
“Janet is a fantastic example of someone who has dealt with her diagnosis and treatment tremendously well.
“Advances in cancer treatments, such as targeted radiotherapy and new drugs have transformed outcomes for women like Janet, not only because they are effective but also have few side effects.”
To help Janet meet her fundraising target, donate at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JanetKelly11