Lucy O'LO Miller's Half Ironman for Sarah Ogilvie

In just a few days time, I will be attempting to complete a half Ironman a few weeks before my 55th birthday. This involves a 1.9 km sea swim, followed by a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. It is in Greece so at least the water should be warm!!!

I have been training since April but have not yet put all three disciplines together for the total distance - so I’m still unsure whether I will be able to complete it in the target time of 8.5 hours.

Around about the same time that I was considering a challenge like this, a close colleague at work had a much more significant challenge foisted upon her.

In March, Sarah, who led Devon‘s response to Covid, putting her heart and soul into the process , was given the devastating news that she was suffering from a very aggressive form of brain cancer.

Sarah story is posted below.

The physical effort that I’m putting in is nothing compared to the physical and psychological challenge that Sarah is having to face every single hour of every single day.

I’m hoping you will be willing to sponsor me in this event in aid of Sarah and her family. Any donation however small will help.

If you want to track my progress download the IRONMAN app and search for Ironman Greece and Lucy Miller.

Thanks so much. Please pass on to anyone you think would be interested. Best wishes, Lucy x

Sarah's story

On 13th March 2023, Sarah went to A&E thinking she might have meningitis, but the MRI scan revealed significant abnormalities and swelling on her brain. Following a biopsy and after a very agonising wait, she received the shocking news that she has an aggressive brain tumour, known as a high-grade astrocytoma. Sarah has only just turned 40 and has three young boys, the same age as my children (12, 10 & 7) and so as you can imagine, the news has rocked their worlds. Sadly, the prognosis for anyone with high-grade astrocytoma isn’t good. For further information see: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/brain-tumour-diagnosis-treatment/types-of-brain-tumour-adult/astrocytoma/

Concerningly, the current treatment available for aggressive tumours on the NHS is limited compared to many other countries, and the offer is sadly dependent on where you live. There are, however, nine NHS hospital brain tumour centres in the UK that are recognised as centres for excellence, which provide excellent clinical practice, access to clinical trials and the latest treatments, and which have an emphasis on patient quality of life, which is so important with a terminal diagnosis.

Sarah has linked with the London Centre, though the only way to access their treatment pathway is through private funding as the local NHS is swamped. The private pathway comes with a hefty price tag. We are therefore looking to raise funding to enable Sarah to receive the best possible care for this horrible disease. This will help give Sarah more time and really importantly provide her with a better quality of life so that she can focus on making memories with Simon and her three boys. For us, the target for 2023 will be to slow down cancer progression and to access treatments that support Sarah’s quality of life.

Speed is of the essence as these tumours are sadly very aggressive and grow fast. Please help us to get Sarah the best available treatment so that she can have as much time as possible with her boys to make memories. Sarah has dedicated her career to working in the NHS and local authorities in Public Health, leading on the covid pandemic response for Public Health Devon for the last three years. She has spent her life helping others, now is the time to help her and her family get the best possible care she so deserves.