James' story: running again after a cancer diagnosis
James' diagnosis
"I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma that had developed at the base of my tongue and spread to the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck, caused by the HPV virus. I had always considered myself fit and healthy, so hearing that I had cancer came as a complete shock.
"Like many people, I was unaware that HPV can, in some cases, lead to cancers of the head and neck. Being told I had cancer was devastating. The word itself stops you in your tracks. My immediate thoughts were about my family, my future, and whether I would get through the treatment.
"I quickly realised that I needed to focus on what I could control and put my trust in the medical professionals caring for me. It was a difficult period, but I was determined to keep moving forward.
"I had a feeding tube fitted into my stomach and underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The first two weeks were relatively manageable, but as the side effects intensified, swallowing became impossible. I was admitted to hospital for a period of time as I couldn’t stop vomiting and was losing weight at an alarming rate. Thankfully, in January 2024, I was given the all clear.
"Macmillan was a fantastic source of support throughout my cancer journey. Cancer affects every part of your life, not just your health, and having organisations like Macmillan available makes a huge difference to patients and their families."
Taking part in parkrun and Southampton Half Marathon
"I have been taking part in parkruns since 2017, and they have played an integral role in my journey back to physical fitness following cancer treatment. Once I had completed my treatment and had my feeding tube removed, I began the slow journey of rebuilding my fitness. It started with short walks, but before long I found the strength to manage a few gentle jogs.
"By Christmas Day, I was able to run the Rickmansworth parkrun, and it felt incredible to be back doing something I loved. Parkrun provided the foundation and training I needed to prepare for the Southampton Half Marathon in April 2025, where I raised £2,310 for Macmillan.
"Recovery from cancer treatment often takes much longer than people realise, and there were days when fatigue and the lingering effects of treatment made even simple runs feel difficult. Yet every mile was a reminder of how far I had come since my diagnosis.
"My goal was simply to finish and raise money for a cause that meant so much to me. The day was about far more than completing a half marathon; it was about proving to myself that cancer had not taken away my determination or my ability to set and achieve meaningful goals.
"My biggest piece of advice would be to trust your instincts and get checked if something doesn’t feel right. For anyone currently going through treatment, try to focus on one step at a time. There will be difficult days, but there will also be progress, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
"Finally, I think it’s important to raise awareness that HPV can cause cancers in both men and women. The more awareness there is, the more people may recognise symptoms early and seek medical advice when they need it."
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