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Making the most of my passion for running


When Kirste Snellgrove was diagnosed with breast cancer, the first thing she asked her doctor was not “how long have I got left?” but “can I still run?” Here, the Police Officer from Essex explains how her passion for running helped her to cope with her diagnosis…


I


started running in 2001 to help shift a few pounds, but within weeks I’d caught the running bug and would often lace up


my trainers to pound the pavements. The following year I ran my first London Marathon then tackled New York and Stockholm – I was addicted to the feeling of crossing the finish line. But in 2005 I started to get exhausted on


training runs. At the same time I discovered a lump in my breast but didn’t think it was anything serious so I ignored it, soldiered on with my training and completed three marathons. Four months later the lump was still there so I had a biopsy and was called to the hospital for my results. “I’m sorry to tell you it’s cancer,” my


consultant informed me. Her words hit me like a thunderbolt. Cancer? But I’m only 35! I burst into tears. I’m sure most people would ask the obvious


“how long have I got left to live?” question but my knee jerk reaction was to ask my consultant if I’d still be able to run. She told me marathons were out of the


question but I had other plans. A few days after having a mastectomy I did a


five-mile power walk. I then ran eight miles the day before I started chemotherapy and although the cancer wore me out, I vowed I’d never let it stop me doing what I loved. Two years after my diagnosis, I ran the London Marathon for Breast Cancer Campaign as it funded research that led to a drugs trial


that I’m currently on and I wanted to support the charity, as much as it has supported me. On race day I couldn’t believe how much


the staff cheered for me as I huffed and puffed my way around the 26-mile route. Their screams of “Go Kirste!” kept me going and I was so proud to run for a cause that means so much to me.


In December 2009, the cancer spread to my lungs and although I needed more treatment, I was determined to keep running.


This April I sped off from


the starting line for my 21st marathon! Over the years I’ve turned my passion for running into fundraising and have raised more than £10,000 to help Campaign continue funding breast cancer research. If it wasn’t for the charity’s amazing work, I wouldn’t be here today. I regret not getting my lump checked out sooner so I urge all women to seek medical help if they notice any changes in how their breasts look and feel, no matter how small the change is – being cautious could save your life.


‘I regret not getting my lump checked out sooner so I urge all women to seek medical help if they notice any changes in how their breasts look and feel’


Picture courtesy of Stuart Wood/Runner’s World. 22 focus June-September 2011


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