Dee Runs Leeds Abbey Dash After Cancer All Clear

In August 2025, Dee received incredible news: no evidence of cancer anywhere in her body.

“I’ll stay on targeted treatment for life, but that life is now stretching further into the future – and I’m determined to make the most of it.”

So, Dee is taking on the Leeds Abbey Dash 10K, her running journey hasn’t been easy, but she’s up for the challenge.

In July 2022, Dee was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. As a PE teacher and a keen footballer, fitness had always been at the centre of her life.

“I never imagined how completely cancer and its treatment would change my body.”

“Chemotherapy wiped out my strength and energy. A double masectomy took away much of my upper-body strength, and radiotherapy – well, scarring my lungs was just the start.”

Dee’s oncologist advised her to keep exercising, but avoid any risk to her spine, as that was where the cancer had spread.

“I knew I needed to find something safe but meaningful. Running was never my thing, in fact, I hated it! But I decided to give it a go.”

At first, running was difficult for Dee, but she continued to push herself, and now it’s something Dee and her wife can enjoy together.

“Every step was a reminder of how much my body had endured. But slowly, running became an outlet, a way to feel like myself again. It reminds me what my body is still capable of, even after everything it’s been through.”

“My wife has always loved running, and I used to shake my head in disbelief at her passion. Now it’s something we share together.”

It may still be a love-hate relationship with running for Dee, but it gives her a sense of accomplishment and the Leeds Abbey Dash, will be no different as Dee navigates her life while refusing to let cancer define her story.

“Running may not be my first love, but it’s given me something even better: hope, strength, and the reminder that, while I can, I will.”