Jane and Louise have been best friends all their lives. Jane is running the London Marathon in honour of Louise and her family, whose lives have been hugely affected by cancer over the last few years.
Jane and Louise have been best friends all their lives. Jane, 39, from Bedfordshire is running the London Marathon in honour of Louise and her family, whose lives have been hugely affected by cancer over the last few years.
The BRCA gene mutation runs in Louise's family
Following an aunt being diagnosed with breast cancer and learning she carried the BRCA gene, Louise got tested in 2016 and it turned she too carried the gene. Bravely, Louise made the decision to have a double mastectomy to help reduce the chance of her developing the disease. As part of a routine mammogram to prepare for the process, it was discovered that Louise had two lumps in her left breast. A few days later it was confirmed that Louise had grade 3 breast cancer.
As well as having to go through her own diagnosis, when Louise's mum (who also carried the BRCA gene) had her ovaries removed as a preventative measure, she was shocked to find that cancer was found. Louise, her mum and her two aunties all had to undergo chemotherapy at the same time as each other.
Louise began chemotherapy in December 2016. She had a double mastectomy in May 2017 and became critically ill after the operation, having picked up an infection. The treatment nearly cost her her life. After she recovered, Louise's operation was successfully repeated in October 2017.
Jane has been inspired to help in any way she can
"I have been inspired by the inspirational fight my best friend Louise and her family since the news that they carry the BRCA1 mutation. I am completely overwhelmed by Louise's strength and bravery. Not only in terms of how she has managed her treatment, but more importantly how proactive in understanding the implications of carrying the BRACA 1 gene as soon as it was confirmed.
“The marathon will be a huge personal challenge for me, but I will be inspired by Louise's strength, courage and zest for life with every step I take and mile I get through - it will truly be in honour of my wonderful best friend, and raising awareness that her pro-activity is the reason she was successful in her battle with breast cancer."
If you are interested in helping to raise money for Breast Cancer Now, check out our fundraising pages.