63-year-old breast cancer survivor Fran Paull from Terrington St John to raise £1,000 for charity with 10k

A 63-year-old breast cancer survivor is hoping to raise £1,000 by completing a 10k swim.

Fran Paull, from Terrington St John, is set to take on Cancer Research’s ‘Swim 10k in November’ challenge.

She will be breaking it up over the course of the month at the Hudson Leisure Centre in Wisbech, where during week one she will do ten lengths each day, then 15 in week two, 20 in week three and 25 in week four.

She told the Fenland Citizen that she has not done any preparation and is just going to “go for it”.

“If the statistics we all hear are accurate, they reckon every other person will in some way be affected by cancer, whether they have it themselves, or a loved one does or a friend.

“Breast cancer is so treatable these days, and I just think the more people get involved with any sort of fundraising, the more that can be true for other cancers as well.”

Fran was diagnosed just a month before her daughter’s wedding, and at the time, thought she would never see a lot of her family again.

“But I didn’t realise how much oncology had moved on,” she added.

Her advice to all women is to check themselves regardless of their age, and she says, “If you look on the black side of things, it can only get better”.

“It might not necessarily be a lump, it could be a dimple or depression, but your boob can feel different today than it did yesterday, and you will only know if you check.”

She thanked the Hudson Leisure Centre for giving her free access to the pool for the entire month in order to complete the challenge.

Those wanting to donate can do so on the Cancer Research website here.