A Parent’s Perspective
By Emma, mum of Ewan
May 3, 2023
5 min read
‘Couch to London Marathon 27th April 2025’ – My Way
It’s that time of year when many take on New Years’ resolutions, but for me it has been the opportunity to reflect on my exercise journey and embrace my next physical challenge – London Marathon 2025.
A memory reminder has prompted me that a year ago I became a ‘Couch to 5k’ graduate and now I’m plodding with my training app for the London Marathon in April 2025.
My first parkrun was in May 2022 at Pittville Park, Cheltenham – it was the first 5k Your Way event. I’d spotted a ‘5k Your Way’ banner in the waiting room in the oncology unit at Cheltenham General hospital. I was intrigued – supported by family I was encouraged to go at ‘my own pace in my own way’ – a style I call a 5k plod. I completed it and was truly buzzing!
Since that first parkrun, I’ve been on the cancer roller coaster. Last year the cancer spread to my lungs and I became breathless in my own home, even climbing the stairs was a challenge. Unable to put on my own shoes, I faced a challenging 6 months. Thanks to treatment from the oncology team at Cheltenham General hospital my breathing has improved and I’m now on palliative chemo. I live in a world of ‘Chemo fog’ and easily overwhelmed if I need to multitask. I am left with a neuropathy (painful shooting pains) in my hands and feet.
I’ve also had support from Gloucestershire NHS MacMillan Next Steps and it has been life changing. The exercise specialist listened and I’ve worked towards to my personal fitness goals. The group fitness sessions have enabled me to meet ‘Exercise Buddies’ who now meet and run together.
Living with metastatic cancer is living with uncertainty and exercise has been a tonic for my mental health.
The 5k Your Way community has been my life line and supported my return to exercise. I feel stronger and ‘moving’ is medicinal – I’m now able to run the 5k at parkruns. I am committed to exercise and passionate about the MOVE Charity 5k Your Way and know that “The best project I can work on is me”.
The parkrun 5k app has even confirmed I’m a parkrun obsessive! I am a regular park runner – always at my own pace and when the going is tough I’m determined not to miss a week and can been seen at the back chatting to the tail walker. Since 2022, Mark and I have worn our blue 5k Your way T shirts at more than 90 parkruns, totalling 450km. In 63 different locations from Land’s End to Bressay on Shetland. We’ve even planned our holidays around parkruns and experienced parkrun events in Norway, Italy, The Netherlands and Germany.
When I’m asked which was my favourite my response is always the one I’m doing now – a gratitude moment and delighted that I’m able to be out ‘moving’ in the fresh air come rain or shine, snow or fog. Each parkrun event is special in it’s own way, I’ve been distracted by the coastal views, embraced a challenge of the ‘incline of opportunity’, ankle deep in mud on forest trails or just taking it easy and feeling the fresh air on my face.
In July this year I was offered a charity pace to run the London Marathon for Sue Ryder, Leckhampton. I am dedicating this challenge to my dear friend Debbie. We were diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time and have truly rode the Breast Cancer roller coaster together. Our 10 year friendship was a huge positive and a strength amidst the turmoil of our respective health. For Deb’s the hospice provided excellent quality end-of-life care and was a true sanctuary, I hope it will always be freely available to all.
Family and friends have seen how passionate and determined I am and are fully on board to support my exercise, training and fundraising for the marathon. Exercise is a game changer.
I am fully aware of the scale of the physical challenge, my cancer is like a marathon – when I was diagnosed I didn’t look at the finish line. Learning to take life: breath by breath, moment by moment and step by step, personally it also symbolises resilience and hope.
If you would like more information of the support organisations mentioned in ‘My Story’
www.moveagainstcancer.org/5k-
www.ghc.nhs.uk/our-teams-and-
By Linda Jackson
