Hello Everybody!

I’m taking part in the Manchester Women’s Hyrox Double on January 21st 2026 and I’m raising money for the OPA Cancer Charity.

In 2022 my Nan was diagnosed with stage 4 Oesophageal cancer, and by the time of diagnosis there was no medical intervention that could be taken to help fight this. She sadly passed away 4 months later after showing much resilience towards her illness.

9300 people are diagnosed per year with this type of cancer, and on average there is only a 13% survival rate, making it the 7th most common cause of cancer death in the UK. This is due to the early symptoms of this cancer often being misdiagnosed for conditions such as acid reflux. Alongside this, due to the nature of the oesophagus expanding, the symptoms often don’t appear until the tumour has grown to a significant size and is often in an advanced stage.

Sadly this was the case for my Nan, as it is for most people who receive this type of diagnosis. We had an excellent team of professionals helping us every step of the way from her diagnosis to her final moments and as a family we will be forever grateful. Raising money for this charity is very important to me, I believe that due to the under explored nature of this cancer, any and every support is essential to help make the journey for someone else going through something similar slightly easier.

The OPA is a caring cancer charity providing good quality information for patients, carers and their families affected by oesophageal or gastric cancers. At whatever stage of your illness, facing treatment by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or palliative care, the OPA are there to help. They will fully understand your worries and fears and can give the support you need in order to achieve the best possible quality of life.

I don’t think I’m fully prepared for what I’ve signed myself up to (thanks Abby ) but this is a great test of physical and mental strength for me and every single day I train I know that it’s for a great cause! Any donation big or small is greatly appreciated, every penny helps make a difference in such rare cancers research and if nothing else donate just for the hilarious pictures of me suffering through the actual event

Thanks everyone,

Khiah x