Story of Alicja Bunio

 

In June 2020, 3 months after giving birth to my second child, and in the middle of the pandemic my whole world came crushing down. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 35 at the time, devastated and petrified. It was the darkest time of my life.

 

It took months of countless scans, blood tests, chemotherapy, hormone blocking treatment and and surgery and I was finally given the all clear in January 2021. I started running a couple of months later as I felt the need to move my body again and regain some fitness. I soon realised that running was so much more than just a physical activity.

 

It gave me focus and brought the much needed relief from the stress I was experiencing. A year on from my diagnosis I run my first half marathon and have since achieved time goals I have never imagined possible. My recent success being 10km PB of 43:15 at my local winter warmer race.

 

This April I’ll be taking part in The London Marathon! It is the first time I’ll be running this distance and I am excited and nervous at the same time. I’ll be taking on this challenge with the hope of raising funds for Breast Cancer Now.

 

An incredible charity that supports the breast cancer community and works tirelessly to create a real change for those living with and beyond breast cancer. Please take my journey as your sign to check your chest (men too!), get any unusual symptoms investigated and remember that nothing is impossible.

 

Update after London Marathon 24′

I did it!!! 🥳

 

What a day, what a race!! It really is hard to find words to explain the energy and emotions of the day! It was ecstatic! The support was absolutely insane and it felt like an enormous party pretty much all the way through (until ridiculous cramping in my legs got me around 36km/22.5miles 😅

 

I still can’t quite believe I can say that I am a sub 4 marathoner!! 3:45:59 and I couldn’t be happier. Running is about so much more than speed though and I am mostly proud of giving myself a chance, of the work I’ve put in and the commitment. I am proud of taking on this challenge and allowing myself to do something for me. A crazy 16weeks but so worth it!

 

As I run, I felt overwhelming gratitude and and a real sense of privilege. I thought of my Mama, all the incredible women and men I’ve met and also lost through cancer. All of my friends, family and strangers that took the time to support me with the kindest words of encouragement, advice and donations. I can’t quite believe I have reached my target on race day too! I will always be grateful ❤️

Thank you!