Taking on Prevent Breast Cancer’s Run 56km in November challenge, 22 year old Ella Preston decided to push herself even further by running a phenomenal 56km a week for her mum.

Ella’s mum was diagnosed with breast cancer at Christmas in 2022, and in January 2023, she began chemotherapy for 6 months. She’s now recovering very well from her initial treatment, but processing the news of her diagnosis was a really difficult time for the Preston family.

Recalling their experience, Ella said:

“My mum has been through a lot in her life recently. This was something that we didn’t think could happen to us and to watch my mum go through all the treatment that comes along with breast cancer was really hard.”

Seeing her mum go through the emotional turmoil of a breast cancer diagnosis encouraged Ella to take on the Run 56 challenge for Prevent Breast Cancer. Already a keen runner and hitting personal bests at her local parkrun and a half marathon, Ella added her own special twist to the challenge by running 56km a week, raising over £1,800 towards our vital research.

I was keen to do a running challenge and raise some money for a cause that is close to my heart. I am in what I think is the best running form of my life so I thought I would push the boundaries of what my body can do and take on something I have never done before. I wanted to inspire people, and this is my way of doing it. The reason I got into running was through watching my mum run when I was younger. I wouldn’t be the runner I am today without her.

Due to her mum’s unwavering strength and positivity, Ella has been able to stay optimistic about the future.

I take such inspiration from her strength and positivity. It’s made us stronger as a family. My advice for people that are going through the same thing is, life doesn’t stop at the diagnosis. The people that have treated my mum have been amazing and she is on her way to making a full recovery. It’s really easy to go straight to the worst when you hear someone in your family has cancer, but it doesn’t have to be like that.

Thanks so much to Ella for sharing her story with us.

Feeling inspired? There’s still time to take on Prevent Breast Cancer’s latest sports campaign, March 31, created to honour the 31 people who lose their lives to breast cancer each day. Find out more.

Published On: February 21st, 2024 /

Would you like to share your story?

We’re always looking to speak to people who are interested in sharing their story and experience of breast cancer. It not only helps us spread awareness but can be helpful for others who are dealing with the disease. If this is a cause close to your heart and you would be comfortable sharing your journey with other supporters, and potentially the media, then please get in touch today by emailing info@preventbreastcancer.org.uk

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About Prevent Breast Cancer

Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.