In March 2026, I will take on a 26-mile marathon my doctors never expected me to attempt, and every day until then, I’m training to make it possible.

Hi, I’m Heidi. I navigate the world as a Deaf Blind woman living with Usher Syndrome and stage 4 adrenal cancer, breathing with only one working lung. But, I’m still moving. I’m still fighting. I’m still here – and I am invincible.

This marathon is more than a challenge; it’s a declaration.

Together, we can make a difference and support two incredible organisations who stand beside Deaf people and Deaf Cancer warriors every single day.

During my cancer treatment, I went months without an interpreter.

I felt isolated.

I couldn’t understand my diagnosis.

I felt invisible.

I couldn’t communicate with doctors.

I felt unheard.

This isn’t just my story though – this is the reality for far too many Deaf and Deaf Blind patients.

Then, two communities changed everything:

Deaf Cancer Support Project - delivered through Self Help UK’s Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project (DCSP), they run an online support group where Deaf cancer patients and survivors can meet others who genuinely understand. Their peer support, lived experience and help with interpreter access meant I could finally follow my treatment, ask questions and feel emotionally held instead of lost.

RJ Care Social Club - they helped me step back into the world when my confidence had disappeared. Their community workers supported me to reconnect, avoid isolation, rebuild independence and most importantly, not feel alone.

This marathon is my way of honouring them and making sure no other Deaf or Deaf Blind cancer patient faces silence the way I did.

I’m raising funds to support vital services for Deaf people affected by cancer and isolation — particularly through Self Help UK’s Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project (Macmillan DCSP), alongside essential community support.

Every pound you give will be shared equally between Deaf Cancer Support UK and RJ Care Social Club.

Your support helps DCSUK continue their Deaf cancer support groups, peer connection, emotional wellbeing, and interpreter-access work. It also helps RJ Care Social Club keep their community support workers active, reduce isolation, and provide the confidence-building support that helped me find my footing again.

These are the same services that carried me through my hardest moments, and they make a real difference to Deaf people facing cancer.

How your donations will be used:

Donations will be made directly to me as part of this personal fundraising challenge. I will then transfer the funds to Self Help UK [where they will be dedicated specifically for the Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project (DCSP)] and to RJ Care Social Club, using each organisation’s official payment channels.

I’ll post updates here so everyone can see when each transfer has been made.

You are not just donating, you are giving visibility and hope to a community too often overlooked.

“Courage can be louder than fear, and hope is stronger than hardship” – Heidi