32-year-old Louise Wignall was fit and health-conscious when a lump was found on her breast in September 2021. She’d even had a health check 6 months prior to her diagnosis and was going on runs at the time.

Having been treated for Stage 3 Cancer while battling to stay strong for her young son Toby, Louise celebrated being in remission in 2022. After pledging to live life to the full, she will take on the adidas Manchester Marathon 2025 in April, raising crucial funds for The Christie.

Read Louise’s inspiring story and don’t forget to support Louise through her JustGiving page.

“In September 2021, I’d put my 1-year-old son to bed and was sat on the sofa with my husband. “How long have you had that?”, he’d asked, prodding my side. It was a hard lump I’d never felt before, despite getting checked 6 months prior over concerns in a different area. I’d been told I was all clear – which was what I expected when I went back in September. However, the news was different: I had Stage 3 breast cancer in my breast tissue and lymph nodes.

Despite advances in treatment, being told that you have cancer can feel like a death sentence. It also didn’t seem real. I was young, fit and healthy: I’d been for a run that very day. However, my energy was also on the floor. Being a new mum who worked a 36-hour week and had a 1-year-old, I’d dismissed this symptom as ‘normal’!

My husband was heartbroken; he had lost his dad to cancer the year before. It was also painful to imagine the emotional damage on our son if I died. I’d picture him being upset and asking for me. I didn’t want him to grow up without his mum.

I had 6 cycles of chemo every 3 weeks from October 2021. It was intense; taking drugs that make you feel so ill was horrendous, but I had to believe in it. My husband, friends and family rallied around me and we stayed positive.

Then, on Monday 28th March 2022 a doctor was pulling my drains after surgery. He went to give my most recent results, and his words were “A miracle has happened. Your cancer is completely gone”. My husband and I looked at each other, speechless, and then burst into tears. In fact, I cried happy tears the rest of the day and into the night. I felt like I’d been given another shot at life. To be by my husband’s side. To raise our son. And enjoy what life has to offer. That day, I wrote to myself ‘Here’s to living life to the fullest, not waiting to do anything just doing it, and having no regrets’.

True to this, I signed up to take on the adidas Manchester Marathon this year to celebrate my life and raise money for cancer charity The Christie. I still undergo preventative cancer treatment, but I’m training hard and am motivated to raise vital funds which support those affected by the disease I was lucky enough to overcome. My hope is that one day hearing that you have cancer won’t feel like a death sentence – and I am living proof that it’s not, thanks to continued funding into new treatments such as preventative drugs and other medications.

Come 27th April, I am looking forward to soaking up the amazing, supportive atmosphere which I also experienced at the Manchester Half last year. I’m grateful that my friends and family will come and support me whilst I run through the vibrant city and Greater Manchester. Bring it on!”

Louise’s story is a testament to her incredible strength and resilience. It’s a reminder of the importance of early detection, continued research, and the unwavering support of loved ones.

Don’t forget to support The Christie through Louise’s JustGiving page below.