Ezzy joins the front line against cancer at Race for Life Bristol

Ezzy, 37, was just beginning her first year at university when she developed what she thought was Freshers’ flu, a common term for the cold-like symptoms many students experience when starting university. But what began as a runny nose, fatigue, and a persistent cough turned out to be something far more serious.

“On the Wednesday of Freshers’ Week, I noticed a lump on the side of my neck and just felt really rubbish,” Ezzy recalled. “I was constantly carrying around a box of tissues and assumed it was just Freshers’ flu. But when it hadn’t cleared up after a month, I went to the GP.”

After several visits and rounds of blood tests, Ezzy was referred to an ENT specialist. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: Hodgkin lymphoma - a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

Despite undergoing six months of chemotherapy, Ezzy - now Commissions Editor at BBC Science Focus magazine - completed all her first-year university exams, including one just hours after a treatment session.

“If I’d been born 30 years earlier, that diagnosis could have been a death sentence,” she said. “But thanks to advances in research, much of it funded by organisations like Cancer Research UK, I had access to treatment that saved my life.”

Now, nearly 20 years cancer-free, Ezzy took part in Race for Life in memory of her mum, Jo, who died from lung cancer at age 64.

“I was devastated when my mum died,” Ezzy said. “She was a smoker, and I know there’s a lot of stigma around lung cancer because of that, but it’s more complex than people realise. Everyone deserves compassion and support, no matter how their illness came about. My mum was a Scout leader and incredibly creative - I definitely take after her in my writing and creative work.”

Ezzy, who lives in Bristol with her partner Sam, sounded the horn to send around 2,000 participants on their way on the Downs. “It was a wonderful day,” she said. “It was fantastic to see so many people coming together for such a great cause, raising money for Cancer Research UK. There were people in pink, glitter, fancy dress — the Pink Pony Club, Scooby-Doo, dinosaurs, fairies - you name it!

“The day has already raised a fantastic amount, and hopefully even more will come in over the next few days. That money will help ensure more people beat cancer and go on to live long, happy lives.”

Every year, around 37,300 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West.*

More than £300,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK - vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer– to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

Now organisers are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters. And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible.

Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the South West, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Ezzy and everyone who took part in Race for Life Bristol.

“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime** but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.

“Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference. ” ***

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.

Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity were a key player in the development of radiotherapy which now benefits millions of cancer patients worldwide. Cancer Research UK played a leading role in the development of abiraterone - a drug that gives men with advanced prostate cancer more time with their friends and family.

Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.

“By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”

To enter, visit raceforlife.org