Mum treated for breast cancer to take on London Marathon challenge for Stars Appeal

Jo Cullen, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, wanted to run the marathon on Sunday, April 21, to “give back” to the Breast Unit at Salisbury District Hospital for the care she received.

The 50-year-old did a virtual London Marathon in 2020 so this will be her first time doing the event in London. She had been due to run it in 2022 but was forced to pull out after receiving her cancer diagnosis.

“Getting my cancer diagnosis was a big shock but I was very lucky to catch it early,” explains Jo, who had surgery to remove the lump followed by a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. “Nearly two years after my diagnosis, with all my treatment behind me, I am finally able to run the London Marathon after having to defer my entry twice due to surgery. I just want to finish and raise as much money as I can for the Breast Unit.”

The Stars Appeal Breast Unit, which opened in 2017, is Salisbury Hospital’s first-ever dedicated unit for breast patients providing dedicated diagnostic equipment along with treatment and counselling rooms in a beautifully furnished and dignified environment. It enables patients to have their diagnosis and follow-up care delivered in one place, reducing the need for patients to visit other departments in the hospital.

"We’re very lucky in Salisbury to have such a wonderful Breast Unit on the doorstep. The nurses and consultants were absolutely amazing from the moment I was diagnosed to all my operations. They are still at the end of the phone to answer any questions or concerns. It feels like you’re not alone, and they’ve got you under their wing.”

She also praised the lovely décor and furnishings in the unit, which she says make it feel “very special”.

“I’m so grateful for all the work the Stars Appeal do. It is vital to people like me to have places like the Breast Unit. I really felt strongly about raising money for the Stars Appeal and to give back to a charity that has helped me and hundreds of other people,” said Jo.

Sophie Bagshaw, from Ludgershall, who is a second year Adult Nursing student at Bournemouth University doing a placement at Salisbury Hospital, is also lacing up her running shoes to take on her first London Marathon in support of the Stars Appeal.

The 20-year-old said: “While doing my placement at the hospital it was a surprise to me how much was funded by the Stars Appeal and I wanted to contribute. Salisbury is also my local hospital that I’ve used for years so I wanted to give back.”

To sponsor Jo, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/jo-cullen-1710703883122. To support Sophie, go to https://gofund.me/ecb711e2

Find out more about the Stars Appeal at www.starsappeal.org