Running for Chanelle

I’m running the Leeds Marathon in memory of my incredible colleague and friend, Chanelle.

Chanelle was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at just 31 years old and not just any diagnosis, but a subtype so rare she was the only known case in the UK: Adenosquamous Ovarian Cancer. Despite everything that was thrown at her, Chanelle faced it all with extraordinary courage and hope. She fought her way to being cancer free in May 2025, only to face the devastating news months later that the cancer had returned and spread to her liver.

Even then, Chanelle never stopped fighting. She spent over a year researching her own condition, found a treatment paper from Hong Kong, and brought it to her oncologists herself. She was everything you’d want in a colleague and friend; determined, and full of life.

When the NHS was unable to fund her treatment, Chanelle set up a fundraiser simply because she wanted to live and raised over £30,000 in a short space of time, which shows how much everyone thought of her.

Her words stay with me: “All I want to do is get my life back.”

Chanelle passed away on 28th April 2026, she deserved so much more time.

Every mile I run on race day is for her. Chanelle had a real passion for fitness, with the gym being one of her favourite places. Fitness and exercise meant a lot to her so by running this marathon I hope I can do her proud.

If you can donate anything at all, it will honour a truly remarkable woman who fought with everything she had.

Rest peacefully, Chanelle.

Money raised will be passed to her family who will split the money 50/50 between Cancer Research UK and Ovarian Cancer Action