A BLACKPOOL mum-of-two who survived breast cancer is getting on her bike to highlight Cycle 300, an exciting fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK.

Sharon Bowie, aged 48 from Bispham, will be completing the 300 mile challenge alongside the friends and family who supported her throughout chemotherapy and cancer treatment.

She is also urging others to sign up to the cycling challenge and choose how, when and where to clock up 300 miles on a bike in September.

 There are many ways to hit the 300-mile mark. Commuters can notch up to ten miles a day on their cycle to work, weekend enthusiasts can plan epic 75-mile routes through the countryside, while gym bunnies can step up the spin classes to hit their target.

Sharon, who was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in 2016, is a firm believer in the positive benefits of cycling – having previously completed triathlons involving running, swimming and cycling.

 Sharon said: “I attribute recovering so well partly to being mentally strong, but also because I was physically fit before I started my cancer journey. Even during my chemotherapy, I was still out on my bike until the last treatment cycle!

“Life is very different post-cancer, but in many ways life is better! Now I live for the moment and have learnt not to worry about the insignificant niggles of daily life. I live a life where I do things that make me happy and surround myself with people who I love to be with.”

This is the second time that Sharon is embarking on Cancer Research UK’s epic biking challenge, but this time she’ll be doing things slightly differently.

“I completed Cancer Research UK’s Cycle 300 last year, which was a really positive experience. This year I’ve decided to build on this and complete the challenge with the friends and family who supported me through my cancer journey.

“When you go through something as live-changing as cancer, it’s really important to have a support network of people around you. I truly have the best friends and family, who continue to look out for me and support me emotionally as well as practically.  My best friends all share the same core values including looking out for each other and taking the time to check up on one another at regular intervals. I am blessed to be surrounded by amazing people.”

 The primary school teacher was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2016 when she was 44 after discovering a small hard lump in her breast one night. She went to her doctor a couple of weeks later where they explained that it would need further investigations at hospital and made an urgent referral. Tests revealed she had an 8mm mucinous carcinoma.

Sharon said: “I was not expecting the lump to be anything sinister. I was fit and healthy, vegetarian, non-smoker, moderate drinker had breast fed my two children plus we don’t have a significant family history of breast cancer. The risk factors for me were very low.

“It’s made me so aware of the need to spot any changes quickly. I was years off being picked up for a routine mammogram and I am so grateful that my cancer was found early and treated swiftly.”

 Sharon was treated with a lumpectomy and then had 18 weeks of chemotherapy at Blackpool Victoria Hospital where she was treated with two chemotherapy drugs, Carboplatin and Docetaxel. Cancer Research UK helped to develop these drugs and played a leading role in introducing them in clinical trials.

Sharon was also treated with Herceptin which was injected into her thigh every 3 weeks for a year. After the chemotherapy finished, she had four weeks of weekday radiotherapy, which took place at Rosemere Cancer Centre, in Preston.

Sharon said: “Luckily, due to the fact that I was physically active before treatment I was able remain well throughout surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. I had days that were tough but overall the experience was very do-able. Not one that I would have chosen but one that I have gone through and survived!

“During the chemo I very much stayed away from people in order that I didn’t pick up any infections so messages really did keep me in the loop of what was going on in the real world. I also had my own little ‘Cancer Crew’ as several of my friends have battled through cancer too.”

Sharon, who teaches at Bispham Endowed School, will also have the support of her husband Ross and daughters Tilly aged 18 and Lexie aged 15 during her Cycle 300 challenge.

Sharon said: “My friends and family have all supported my need to remain fit and healthy and I’m never left without a training partner. We spend time ensuring that we remain as well as possible. My job-share and I jog every week where we talk about work – it beats sitting at a table as we get to jog by the sea!  I completed a triathlon several months ago at Blenheim Palace which was poignant as I had undertaken this event before I had  cancer so it was important mentally to know that I still had the physical ability to reach the finish line. I have signed up for my first half marathon (May 2020) which I’m currently training for. Having cancer doesn’t have to be about the negatives, it can also be a catalyst for a healthier lifestyle.

“I am indebted to all the research scientists who have worked tirelessly to make those breakthroughs that change lives for the better. But these changes would not be taking place if it wasn’t for people donating to Cancer Research UK. When I was first given my diagnosis over three years ago, I was told that I had ‘curable’ breast cancer which filled me with hope for the future.”

Anna Taylor, Cancer Research UK spokespersonfor the North West said: “We are hugely grateful to Sharon for her support and hope it will start a chain-reaction, sparking the interest of cyclists of all ages and abilities. Cycle 300 is a great fundraising challenge because you can choose how, when and where to do it, so that it fits in with your lifestyle and commitments.” 

She added: “You can sign up to Cycle 300 on your own or make it more social like Sharon by challenging family, friends and colleagues to join you. It’s a fantastic opportunity to commit to a healthy challenge now, so you have something to aim for in September.”

Taking on Cycle 300 is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of cycling and keeping active. As well as helping to build fitness and burn excess calories, cycling regularly encourages a healthier heart, can improve mood, and can also protect against a range of diseases – including cancer.

Depending on weight and effort, participants could burn roughly between 400 to 750 calories per hour of cycling.

Anna continued: “One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Research is very expensive and the only way we can afford to fund it is with the help of our supporters. By taking part in Cancer Research UK Cycle 300, men and women can make a real difference in the fight against the disease.

“Everyone who participates in Cancer Research UK Cycle 300 will be supporting the efforts of doctors, nurses and scientists working on the front line against cancer.”

To sign up now for a free fundraising pack visit www.cruk.org/cycle300