Jo's First Event Since Being Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

This Sunday, Jo will be running the Hull 10K with her husband Scott and this event means more to her than she can put into words.

This is Jo's first event since being diagnosed with breast cancer, and she's running to raise awareness and to remind both women and men to check their boobs and be breast aware. She's also proving to herself that she can still do this. 

Jo's journey started last year in June while they were on holiday and she noticed a faint line across her nipple, and whilst she didn't think much of it at the time, she still made sure to get it checked once she got home. Her GP referred her to a breast clinic and that's when the mass was picked up. An MRI showed lump with satellite lesions, and the biopsy confirmed it was breast cancer.

Since then, Jo has had a mastectomy, reconstruction, lymph node removal, and risk-reducing ovary removal. She said

"It’s been a whirlwind of hospital appointments, recovery, and uncertainty — but I’m still here, and I’m coming out the other side."

Whilst recovering, Jo's brother Kev sadly passed away from melanoma skin cancer at just 56 years old. He was a keen runner as well and would have loved to have done one more race, Sunday is for him as well. 

Before Jo's diagnosis she was always active - running marathons, kickboxing, going to the gym, and coaching taekwondo with Scott. People were shocked finding out Jo had cancer because she didn't look or feel unwell - just that faint line.

Training for the 10k has made Jo feel like herself again. She's been sharing her journey on social media to raise awareness and maybe inspire someone else to take their first step - whether it's getting checked or going for a run.

Jo says "I’m one of the lucky ones. My cancer was caught in time. I’m not running for a medal — I’m running to raise awareness, to honour Kev, and to show that life after cancer is possible."

Jo's Social Media:

Instagram @crazyfitnessgal

Facebook Jo's Shredders

Youtube: @crazyfitnessgal