Streatham teacher takes on London marathon after mum’s missed cancer diagnosis

A teacher is gearing-up for the London Marathon this October, after being inspired by her mum’s life-changing cancer diagnosis.

Yasmin Chambers (28), who teaches at Glenbrook Primary School in Clapham, was moved to take on the world-famous race as a thank-you to Macmillan Cancer Support.

The charity has been there for her mum Jennifer, after she was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in November last year.

Yasmin, from Streatham, said: “She is an active, 47-year-old mum-of-three, who had no symptoms and thought she just had anxiety due to lockdown. She also initially received a misdiagnosis, being told that her symptoms were due to the menopause.

“We now know that her cancer went undetected for 5 years and by the time it eventually was found, the diagnosis was stage 4 and the cancer had spread to the liver.

She is currently on her last round of chemo and is hoping that they will be able to operate.

“After her diagnosis, our world changed very fast. I’m her eldest child and have a 20-year-old brother and a 9-year-old sister. Our mum is our inspiration.”

To keep active and her spirits up, Jennifer decided to start an Instagram blog (@fittobeatcancer) and also began fundraising for Macmillan by running, walking or cycling 5k a week – when her treatment would allow.

Jennifer initially set a target of £2,000 – she raised it in less than 48 hours! She then re-set the target to £4,000.

Another 48 hours later and she reached that goal too. She has now fundraised almost £9,000.

Yasmin added: “Macmillan has supported my mum throughout her chemo and have offered great advice and answered so many of the questions we’ve all had.

I have a nine-year-old sister and Macmillan have even supported us on how to help her with our mum’s diagnosis.

“It’s my aim to run a marathon and contribute at least £4,000 to my mum’s amazing total for Macmillan, who have lifted my mum’s spirits and given us all hope when at times it felt like we were just receiving bad news after bad news.

“I can’t say that I’m not looking forward to that finish line…those miles are looking very daunting at the minute! But it will be a good challenge and is a goal I have always wanted to achieve.

“I also feel really lucky to be taking part; I have friends who’ve been trying to get a place for years, so I feel very privileged to be running while raising money for my mum and Macmillan along the way!”

Paul Lyons, Macmillan Relationship Fundraising Manager for London said:

“The COVID pandemic has had a devastating impact on Macmillan’s income, with thousands of crucial fundraising events cancelled.

All at a time when people living with cancer need our support more than ever to help navigate through what continues to be an incredibly anxious period.

“The vital funds raised by inspirational individuals like Yasmin, will help us continue to do whatever it takes to be there for everyone living with cancer from day one of their diagnosis.”

Recent research published by Macmillan Cancer Support reveals that the Covid-19 pandemic has turned Londoners into ambitious adventurers; with more than 830,000 people in London (12 per cent) planning to say ‘yes’ to taking part in an epic physical challenge, inspired by living through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Macmillan Cancer Support is the official charity partner of this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon on October 3.

#TeamMacmillan runners will be taking on the marathon to raise vital funds to help the charity be there for everyone living with cancer following the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on cancer care and Macmillan’s income.

To donate to Yasmin’s fundraising page, visit:  https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/19966_8916772_54104 for more details

And to donate to Jennifer Chamber’s page:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/smashingcancerwithjen

To donate to #TeamMacmillan visit  londonmarathon.macmillan.org.uk.