Zest

Before my breast cancer diagnosis in July 2024, I was a marathon runner, taekwondo instructor, fitness instructor, and personal trainer, I am still all of those things, but after my diagnosis, I have had to learn to slow down, listen to my body, and take things slower.

“I was told by my consultant that I was not allowed to exercise, even though I tried to twist his arm several times!”

In September 2024 I underwent a single mastectomy, reconstruction, and lymph node removal, and spent months battling infections that didn’t respond to antibiotics. I was told by my consultant that I was not allowed to exercise, even though I tried to twist his arm several times!

In January 2025, I was told I could start exercising again. My arm movement was limited, my strength had gone, my fitness was poor and progress was very slow, but I was determined that I was going to get back to normal (whatever that looked like). I was just starting to make some progress and had to have my ovaries removed in March 2025. So I was back to square one again.

Then, at the beginning of July 2025 I noticed that my right arm looked slightly bigger than my left and I was diagnosed with lymphedema due to the lymph node removal — a lifelong condition that means I now wear a compression sleeve every day. I also have regular bone infusions every six months which absolutely knock me for six and have to take Anastrozole for ten years, which makes me feel tired and very hot! So definitely don’t feel anything like I did before cancer, but this is my new normal.

“Even with all of that, my passion for fitness hasn’t faded, if anything, it’s grown stronger.”

Even with all of that, my passion for fitness hasn’t faded, if anything, it’s grown stronger, its made me want to learn more and what I have learned is that exercise plays a massive part in recovery! I have recently added swimming back into my exercise routine, as well as running, rebounding and weights, and although I am not as fast as I was running, I know that my fitness is slowly coming back, and my aim is to run and finish the London Marathon in 2026.

“I know how scary it can feel, worrying that if you do too much you’ll end up back where you started, or that you might injure yourself just by trying to move more”

So my mission now is to help people just like you who have had a cancer diagnosis and want to feel better about themselves and would like to exercise but aren’t sure where to start. I know how scary it can feel, worrying that if you do too much you’ll end up back where you started, or that you might injure yourself just by trying to move more. I also know how frustrating it is to feel tired all the time and to lose confidence — because I’ve been there too (in fact I am still there in many ways).

This isn’t just another training session — it’s a little bit of therapy for all of us (me included!).

Our Cancer Support Service at Zest provides a supportive space for anyone affected by cancer. Our free 6-week ‘Active Steps’ exercise recovery programme has offered guided exercise to help rebuild strength, confidence, and wellbeing after treatment, while our Peer Support Group gives you the chance to share experiences, listen, and connect with others who understand your journey. Together, these services support both body and mind, helping you take positive steps forward in recovery.