Downham Market woman Helen Driver taking on Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise money for Breast Cancer Now
A woman’s battle with breast cancer has inspired her ahead of a fundraising race in the capital this weekend.
Helen Driver, 54, from Downham, will be taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday in central London, raising money for Breast Cancer Now.
Helen discovered she had cancer herself following a routine village 10km race in June last year, following which her breast began to “feel sore and almost bruised”.
Though there was no lump, but Helen knew something was not quite right and headed to her GP - who immediately referred her to Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s breast care unit.
While there, Helen was left “completely numb” after a doctor revealed she had breast cancer.
One of the charities she contacted throughout her cancer journey was Breast Cancer Now, and she now wants to give something back for it being there “when no one else was”.
Just a year later, Helen is now on a mission to share her message with other women who may be scared to check their breasts for any signs of cancer, explaining that “although it’s a scary process, it’s absolutely vital that women do this regularly”.
So far Helen has raised £700 – succeeding her £500 target.
“I think it is important to give back to the people that help you if you can,” she said.
“At the end of the day, they can help someone else like they helped me.”
Expressing her excitement for race day, Helen added: “I’m so excited for this year’s race. I love the buzz of the day - the nerves, excitement, and50 trips to the loo. I can’t wait.”
People can donate towards Helen's fundraising run by visiting the Royal Parks Half website.
Got a story? Email molly.nicholas@iliffemedia.co.uk