FORMER women’s world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe was in Manchester today (Tuesday 12 May) to share a powerful message about her family’s experience of cancer at the Greater Manchester Cancer Conference.
Paula, who won the London Marathon three times and is one of the UK’s most successful long-distance runners, was talking to health professionals and researchers about the importance of recognising cancer symptoms early.
The four-time Olympian recounted how her daughter Isla Lough was diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer – a malignant germ cell tumour in 2020 when she was aged 13. Months before the diagnosis, Paula had observed subtle indications that Isla’s health was amiss, such as bladder discomfort and atypical bleeding between menstrual cycles which initially they thought was part of being a teenager.
When the symptoms continued Paula sought help which led to Isla’s diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Isla is now doing well and last year ran the London Marathon aged 18.
Paula, who is part of the BBC commentary team for the London Marathon and various major athletics events, is now a big supporter of Children with Cancer UK and passionate about raising awareness about the ovarian cancer and the importance of early diagnosis.
The runner has links in Cheshire, where she grew up, and fond memories of Manchester from winning Gold in the 5,000 metres Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002, said she had enjoyed meeting healthcare professionals in the city to launch their two-day flagship event.
Paula said: “Cancer is something we’ve experienced as a family firsthand so its important to me to meet people working to improve cancer outcomes and patient care in Greater Manchester.
“I’m passionate about helping to raise awareness about early signs and symptoms of cancer that people should look out for in themselves and their loved ones so it’s great to share my family’s experience and see some of the exciting work being done in Greater Manchester – a city that will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Paula shared a stage with Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance’s Managing Director Claire O’Rourke, Medical Director Susannah Penney, Associate Director Clare Garnsey as well as Professor Peter Johnson, Clinical director for Cancer at NHS England and Professor Rob Bristow, Director of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre. She also visited the NHS’s This Van Can cancer awareness roadshow – that tours the city to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer – including ovarian cancer – and checks people know about the NHS cancer screening programmes.
Claire O’Rourke, Managing Director at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “Paula’s own story about the importance of diagnosing cancer early provides a powerful start to our two-day flagship Greater Manchester Cancer Conference.
“Over the next two days we are bringing NHS, public health and cancer research staff together to share good practice and innovation happening here in Greater Manchester and look at ways to further achieve the goals set out in the National Cancer Plan.”
