Fundraiser for Maggie’s

Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m fundraising for Maggie’s and here’s why……

Life can throw some curve balls and early in 2024 I’d say mine got thrown- quite hard straight at me! Having been diagnosed with a rare and advanced cancer (Pseudomyxoma Peritonei PMP) my only chance was life saving and life changing surgery. I will never be able to express my gratitude enough to the incredible teams in both Cardiff and Basingstoke that gave me a second chance. Their expertise care, kindness and compassion made a tough journey that bit easier.

In April 2024 I underwent 'The Mother of All Surgeries' a term coined by surgeons and recipients of this disguised gift! It was my only option, and it was certainly the toughest period of my life both physically and emotionally. After 12 hours in surgery, eight organs removed, many weeks in hospital and months and months of rehabilitation I had the incredible news that no more treatment was needed.

Despite this brilliant news I found myself searching for a feeling of relief, joy or happiness - but couldn’t quite find it. I realised I'm quite good at the practical stuff and can follow a rehab plan quite well! but as far as finding a feeling of peace, I was stuck.

Then I found Maggie's. An amazing place that provided calmness after a year of chaos and where I joined a journey to live my best life and not just survive. Cancer cannot be fought alone, and the challenges strike far beyond the person going through it, and far beyond completing treatment. It’s hard to find words for how grateful I am to be surrounded by such amazing family and friends, and to have found Maggie’s.

The kindness, calmness, space and time provided by Maggie’s centres and the extraordinary people who make it tick is life changing.

I owe my second chance to so many people, and so.... To celebrate 1 year after my treatment and to give something back I've set myself a whoppa of a challenge. On 10th May I will be attempting to complete the ROC triathlon in Abersoch in support of Maggie's. It's quite a challenge (maybe slightly looney) and the start line will be a triumph, but I intend to give it my all to:

It's spectacularly out of my comfort zone - but then so was 2024!

The NHS gave me my life back, Maggie's are helping me live it. Maggie’s is entirely funded by donations so, if you have the means, please support this amazing charity so that other people going through cancer, their families and friends can find their way through tackling life's curveballs.

Thank you so much