From an incurable cancer diagnosis to returning to the top of the world: Shaunna's Everest journey

As a cancer and exercise researcher, Shaunna has spent her career studying how physical activity can support people before, during and after cancer treatment. When she became a patient herself, she put that knowledge into practice.

Throughout chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Shaunna ran to and from her treatment appointments whenever she could, using exercise to help manage both the physical and emotional effects of treatment.

"Staying active helped me tolerate treatment with very few side effects, but it also helped me psychologically," she said. "Running gave me moments of normality, released endorphins and reminded me there was a world beyond hospital appointments. It was surreal applying my own research to my own life, but it showed me I could still be strong."

Shaunna underwent four and a half months of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, liver surgery and radiotherapy. She now continues on maintenance therapy to help control her cancer..

Experiencing cancer herself has transformed the way Shaunna approaches her research.

"I thought I understood the people who took part in my studies, but I didn't. Now I truly understand what it's like to live with cancer, to go through prolonged treatment and to keep rebuilding your strength along the way."

Throughout her treatment, Shaunna applied the very principles she has spent years researching. Her experience has strengthened her commitment to improving support for people living with and beyond cancer, particularly those facing long-term or ongoing treatment.

Shaunna is no stranger to Mount Everest. In 2005, she became only the second Canadian woman to reach the summit. More than two decades later, living with incurable cancer, she returned to the Himalayas to take on two extraordinary challenges.

In 2025, she completed the Everest Marathon – the highest marathon in the world – and in 2026 she stood on the summit of Everest once again, proving to herself that her diagnosis would not define what she could achieve.

Both challenges were completed in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, raising vital funds to help people living with cancer access practical, emotional and financial support when they need it most.

Shaunna said: "Macmillan has supported so many people affected by cancer, and I wanted these challenges to give something back. Knowing that every step could help someone else kept me going during the hardest moments."

Everyone at Macmillan congratulates Shaunna on these remarkable achievements and thanks her for her determination, generosity and unwavering spirit. By completing the Everest Marathon and returning to the summit of Everest while living with incurable cancer, Shaunna has shown that hope, purpose and ambition can continue alongside a cancer diagnosis—and that every challenge can help make a difference for people living with cancer.

If you've been inspired by Shaunna's story it's not too late to donate to her challenge and help her hit her target. 

Donate to Shaunna's challenge

 
Shaunna marked the start of her latest challenge by holding a Coffee Morning at Manaslu base camp in the Himalayas, 4,800 metres above sea level. Inviting additional Macmillan fundraising mountaineers, Captain Kim Tanner and Rebecca Heron from Saga Cruises and an assortment of others, the group drank Masala Chai tea, ate apple pie and listened to live music.

Unfortunately, extremely hazardous weather conditions on this occasion resulted in the ascent to the summit being called off.

“It was a difficult decision to make, but for me, I put safety first. In two weeks, I’ve probably learned more than I would in two years.

“I discovered strengths I didn’t know I had, met incredible people from all around the world, continued to raise awareness of Macmillan Cancer Support and made memories I will carry with me. Until the next adventure…I’ll be back.”

Kim and Rebecca have sadly both lost parents to cancer and have seen first-hand the support we provide to people affected. As a result, they have combined their love of mountaineering with fundraising for Macmillan, and have raised an incredible £100,000 so far as part of their ongoing fundraising endeavours.

Shaunna was recently recognised for her fundraising achievements as part of the BBC Radio Leeds Make A Difference Awards.

Former England rugby union player, Mike Tindall, the judge for the Fundraising Award, said: “Shaunna had courage, resilience and a generosity of spirit that really embodies the heart of this award.”

Find out more about Shauna’s latest climb and her 14 in 4 project