Cancer Survivor Runs London Marathon After Shock Diagnosis

Sandra Breene was living her best life as a regular runner and busy executive when a routine health screening changed everything in May 2022.

The 57-year-old from East Yorkshire received a shocking phone call days after her employer-provided health check. Her white blood cell count had skyrocketed to 80,000, nearly eight times the normal range, and doctors suspected leukemia.

"I had no symptoms at all," Sandra said. Within weeks, she was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a slow-developing blood cancer that often goes undetected until routine blood tests catch it.

Doctors placed Sandra on a watch-and-wait protocol with blood tests every three months. Unfortunately, the cancer progressed, and she began an intense 48-week treatment combining chemotherapy tablets and intravenous immunotherapy.

The first few weeks were grueling. Sandra traveled back and forth to Leeds most days for infusions that lasted six to eight hours each. Despite the exhaustion, her body responded remarkably well to the revolutionary treatments.

Now cancer-free, Sandra and her husband Alan are tackling one of the world's most iconic races. The couple will run the London Marathon on April 26 alongside 56 other runners raising money for Leukemia UK.

Why This Inspires

Sandra's story shows how far cancer treatment has come. The immunotherapy that saved her life wouldn't have existed without years of dedicated research and funding. Now she's paying it forward, running not just for herself but for every person who will hear the word "leukemia" in the future.

"I am lucky," Sandra acknowledges. "Yet my situation is a stark reminder that many are not so fortunate."

Together, the 56 runners hope to raise £140,000 for groundbreaking research into kinder, more effective leukemia treatments. Sandra and Alan's personal goal is £25,000.

"Every step we take will be fueled by our determination to make a difference," Sandra explained. "I want anyone who sponsors me to know they are writing a hopeful chapter for the next person facing this diagnosis."

The couple will cross the finish line knowing they've turned a life-changing diagnosis into life-changing hope for others.