‘Cancer scare inspired me to start running’ says Balham mum

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A mum will run several times around a park to thank a charity for the help she got when she had a cancer scare.

Rachel Callan, from Balham, only started running last year aged 48 as a result of the advice she got after she found a lump in her breast.

Medics found it was benign – but Rachel decided to do the run for Macmillan Cancer Support to thank them for their help – and in memory of her mum who died after being diagnosed with bowel cancer when Rachel was just 18.

She also signed up for the event, to say thank you for the support her father is currently receiving as he undergoes treatment for cancer.

The 5km or 10km event collect cash for the charity which is funded almost entirely by donations and receives no Government funding.

Rachel’s health scare made her think about getting in better shape – and she coerced a friend, another reluctant jogger, to take up the sport so they can support each other to keep going.

They started training very week for four months with the sole intention of completing the Run Regents Park 5km run. But she didn’t want to do just one run – Rachel is now taking part in other events and aims to complete 10 runs this year.

She said: “Run Regent’s Park has such a lovely atmosphere. People are cheering you all the way along and, as the park is open to the general public, they join in too.

“It’s not about completing the race in a certain time it’s about crossing the finishing line and getting that medal. That is an achievement in itself especially if you have never run before.

“I’ll never forget the support that Macmillan gave my mum. “This year I am planning to run even further as I have signed up for the 10k event.”

Rachel is taking part in Macmillan Cancer Support’s Run Regent’s Park on Sunday as part of #TeamMacmillan.

To join her, sign up today: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-events/event-detail/1715/runregent’spark