A group of women from Suffolk Constabulary raised awareness of breast cancer – and almost £1,500 for charity – by taking part in this year’s Alton Water Run.
For two serving officers, Pc Emma Arthurs and Pc Sally Wilson, 2017 was a life-changing year.
Last February, Pc Arthurs, based at Martlesham Heath police headquarters, was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump while getting dressed.
Six chemotherapy sessions were followed by three lots of surgery, including a mastectomy and 15 radiotherapy appointments.
“Despite the levels of sickness, the weight gain and the baldness, the whole process was made easier by the amazing staff at Colchester Hospital’s Mary Barron Suite, which is where most of the treatments were administered,” she said.
“As you can imagine, it’s not the nicest place to be, but despite the darkness of the situation, it was, at times, the only ray of sunshine, as it involved a day out with the most amazing nurses and doctors, who really do know their stuff and are happy to be there.”
At the same time, Pc Wilson, based at Landmark House, was undergoing weeks of treatment for breast cancer at Ipswich Hospital’s radiotherapy suite.
Again, the experience was made easier by staff guiding her through the process.
Pc Wilson said: “Ipswich Hospital and the oncology department were amazing.
“Within three weeks of being told, I had my operation, and then a month after, received a course of radiotherapy.
“For several weeks and months after, I felt tired and sore from the radiotherapy, but I am now back at work full time and back to normal duties.”
Pc Wilson also wanted to raise awareness of the efforts of staff and officers that continue to work while going through treatment for cancer and other illnesses.
As a token of appreciation, the pair put themselves through the Alton Water 5k, supported by a team of 20 women officers, who have been key in their recovery.
They hoped to raise £500 to be split between the two hospitals – but the total had reached £1,400 upon competition of the race.
Among the other runners was Inspector Ali Newman, who ran the Felixstowe Coastal 10 and raised £1,000 for the Mary Barron Suite last September.
You can still donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emmasally.
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