Sharon Edghill is one of 18 committed individuals who will run this year’s Flora London Marathon in aid of Willen Hospice. Everyone has their own reason for selecting Willen Hospice as their charity, not least Sharon who benefitted from the care and support of the Hospice when she was battling bladder cancer.
Sharon's Story Sharon was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 1998 at the age of 37 years. Over several years she had regular 4 monthly laser operations and received three different types of chemotherapy. In 2005, Sharon had her bladder, along with other organs removed and a neo-bladder was created for her using her bowel. Sharon nearly died during the operation and the near-death experience made her reflect on life and her achievements. After a hard battle, first learning to walk again, then to gently do normal day to day activities, she was able to rebuild her life and take up running. This was due to the immense help of all her family and friends. Sharon said: “I was never selected at school for cross country and never picked for sports day events, so never really thought of myself as someone who would be good at running. Five years ago, although very unwell, I had my first taste of running. This was the ‘race for life’ 5k around both lakes at Willen. I then had major surgery and couldn’t run for almost a year.” “After the operation I began running again only for a few minutes at a time, built up to 5k again, then started running 10k races. I have now completed six half-marathons. I am delighted to have been selected for a ‘Gold Bond’ place by Willen Hospice to run the London Marathon on 26th April 2009. I feel it is a great honour to give back in return the support they very kindly have given to me and other patients. I hope to inspire others with my recovery and determination by running the marathon, encouraging those with cancer to have hope of achieving their dreams.” |
Willen Hospice can support cancer patients at different stages of their journey and, occasionally, they look after patients like Sharon, who go on to have treatment with a positive outcome. Running has helped immensely with Sharon’s recovery and is also a fantastic way of raising money for charity and helping others.
Sharon will run alongside Stuart Cotton, Matthew Napleton, Dave Richman, Andrew Rose, Duncan Stamp, Bill Smyth, Richard Knapman, Adam Dormer, Michael Jones, Peter MacQueen, Matthew Greenland, Graham Richmond, Tim Keeling, Mel Bonaccolta, Jo Bradshaw, Samantha Parkes and Kate Duckett to help boost funds in what is a very financially challenging year for the Hospice.
If you would like to sponsor our Hospice marathon runners please visit our marathons page.
