Katie's Half Marathon for NUH trust charity

Thank you for visiting! I will be running my first ever half marathon in September for NUH charity

In July 2023 I noticed a small lump under my ear that at the time was barely visible. After various trips to the GP thinking it was just a swollen lymph node, in October it still hadn't gone and I was referred to QMC for further tests.

I underwent an ultrasound, needle biopsy and MRI on my neck, and in March 2024 I was told I had a tumour in my parotid gland. I was recommended for a partial parotidectomy and put on the waiting list.

This was ultimately one of the scariest things that had ever happened to me: the unknown of when the surgery would be, the risk of paralysis and lack of sensation to my face, and being able to visibly see the tumour growing, which massively impacted my self confidence.

Eventually, I was given a surgery date for the end of March 2025. I went into hospital - incredibly anxious - and underwent a partial parotidectomy. When I woke up, I was given a run down by the surgeon who told me they were able to completely remove the tumour leaving none of it behind.

I am running the Nottingham Half Marathon in September to raise money for the incredible people who looked after me (and my Mum) during my surgery and during the run up. The kind nurses during my admission who made me feel less nervous, the hospital porters who chatted to my Mum so she was distracted, the anaesthesiologists who heard I was a pharmacy student and explained all the medications they were using for me and asked me about cheer, and the nurses who looked after me in the ward for 2 days after.

This is a massive thank you to them, I was so nervous but they were amazing.