Tameside mum takes on Manchester Marathon challenge to raise funds for cancer unit

A remarkable mum is celebrating this week after taking on the Manchester Marathon to raise money for Tameside Hospital’s Breast Unit, which she says saved her life following a cancer battle. 

A remarkable mum is celebrating this week after taking on the Manchester Marathon to raise money for Tameside Hospital’s Breast Unit, which she says saved her life following a cancer battle. 

Fay Hodgson was diagnosed with breast cancer at the height of the pandemic in April 2020. 

The 37-year-old underwent a mastectomy and an extensive spell of radiotherapy before finishing treatment in December 2020.

Fay received a cancer diagnosis just weeks after noticing a lump while getting changed and was told her breast would need to be removed following further tests. 

She said: “I was just relieved that there was a plan and if it meant losing my breast then so be it.

“It’s crazy how quickly something so drastic can become your normal.”

After a successful operation, she went on to have several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and continues to receive hormone therapy to lower the risk of the cancer returning.”

Fay and husband David have already smashed their £1,000 fundraising target, and sponsorship money is still coming in.  The mum of two to Evelyn, six, and Cooper, five, chose to fundraise for the Breast Unit to help other patients during a cancer diagnosis.

Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT’s chief executive Karen Jamesays said: “Fay has become such an inspiration to others and proof that cancer can be treated successfully. What an achievement to take on the Manchester Marathon and to kindly choose us to fundraise for.”