Patient Case Study: Matthew Cox (Bristol)
Patient Matthew talks openly about what is keeping him motivated during "the hardest time of his life".
On Sunday, Faye Dunn will be taking on the Manchester Marathon in support of Cure Leukaemia.
A physio based in Manchester, Faye has worked in Oncology wards at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and on ICU at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and has witnessed first hand the devastating impact leukaemia has on children and their families.
Cure Leukaemia is also the sponsor of the netball team Faye captains, Trafford Netball, who compete in the National Prem 3. However, the inspiration to run the Manchester Marathon for the charity came from a teammates’ father, Professor Rob Wynn, who is a consultant Paediatric Haematologist at RMCH.
While Faye does have some experience running long distance, this week’s marathon will be her biggest challenge yet.
“I did the Great North Run, so I’ve done a half marathon. It’s quite funny because when I did the half, I said I’d never do a full marathon! I’m mainly a sprinter or shuttle runner.”
“Luckily I’ve had a really good coach who has given me a programme to do. I decided to do it about 16 weeks out from the marathon, so I’ve been given a plan which has been really good. If I’d tried to do it off my own back, I would’ve struggled.
“I’ve gradually been increasing my long runs and then keeping in my interval ones. I’m quite proud of myself with how consistent I’ve been and I’ve not really missed a training session.”
The Manchester Marathon is the UK’s second largest marathon and Faye will have friends and family supporting her every step of the way along the 26.2 mile route.
“I saw the route video that’s been released that shows all the different stations that will be around. I’m from Manchester so I’ve got lots of family and friends coming to watch which I think will make a big difference, but I’m definitely nervous.”
“Nervous to hit the wall at 21 miles but hopefully with the crowd I’ll enjoy it as well.”
Patient Matthew talks openly about what is keeping him motivated during "the hardest time of his life".
On Wednesday evening, the ATICUS Network in partnership with Cure Leukaemia was officially launched at the PwC offices in Manchester, in an event attended by businesses, clinicians along with a number of patients and their families.