Sinead's Story

Sinead McIntyre

running with Lucy Scillitoe

Cancer touches too many of our lives, I'm sure we all have a family member or friends who have been diagnosed. Even though it affects

so many, I never thought it would happen to someone so close to me.

For me, my dad was diagnosed with throat cancer when I was 17 years old and in my last year of school. It was such a shock for everyone, my dad was so fit and healthy, it never crossed my mind that he would ever have Cancer. I'm really close with my dad so it was tough to come to terms with at the time.  

Initially, the prognosis wasn't good but he beat the odds and I'm happy to say he is as fit and healthy now as he was before his diagnosis. It was a long road to recovery though and it can be a very lonely one. For my dad, it was hard in social situations having initially lost his sense of taste and having difficulty producing saliva. It is at these times that having support is so important. When my dad was in hospital he had a lot of support from family and friends but he noted that there were many in his ward that didn't have that support. That's why places like Maggie's are vital to people in their recovery. Having someone to talk to or just be there can make all the difference. 

I am by no means a 'runner' but when I was asked to do this I said 'yes' without having to give it a moments thought. I'm happy to do anything I can do to support such a worthy cause. 

I will be running the relay with Lucy, who I first met when she came to me for physio. At the time she was getting ready to run the Edinburgh marathon which she was able to so successfully. A few years alter, I was treating her friend who told me that Lucy had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I work in the studio when Ben is taking the Maggie's class and know how fun and supportive it is for those recovering so told her friend to let Lucy know about it. It was great to see Lucy come in on that first day and a few years down the line, to come out the other side. I am so happy to be able to do this run with her. Any support that you can give us will be greatly appreciated.