When Ann Caldicott was told she had a rare cancer in her left ankle, she was warned that she might never be able to run again. But the 65-year-old will mark the tenth anniversary of her diagnosis by taking part in the TCS London Marathon, an achievement doctors once warned might be impossible.
Ann, from White Ladies Aston, near Worcester, had noticed a small lump on her ankle in 2014. After three visits to her GP, she was referred for further investigation and was told in early 2015 that she had leiomyosarcoma. There are an average of 525 cases of leiomyosarcoma diagnosed every year in England – about 0.17% of all cancers.
She vividly recalls the circumstances in which she was told she had cancer. ‘It was on a mobile phone call while I was standing in a field in the rain.’ She added: ‘I had not even considered it might be a sarcoma.’
The lump had grown quickly and was considerably larger than a golf ball when it was removed by surgeons in March 2015. Most of the tendons in her ankle also had to be removed. Ann then received radiotherapy. She wishes diagnosis had been quicker but described her treatment in two hospitals as excellent.
Ann, who has three daughters, said: ‘I was warned that I may need to consider changing my job as a vet as standing and walking may be compromised and running would be difficult.’
Luckily, it turned out her mobility was only slightly affected and she has been able to continue working as a vet to this day.
In 2018, she ran the London Marathon for charity Sarcoma UK in recognition of the information they offered her following her diagnosis.
Happily, Ann has remained cancer-free and this year marks ten years since she had sarcoma. To mark the milestone, she is again taking part in the marathon on 27 April for Sarcoma UK to fundraise toward their work, including research into cures and better treatments.
Ann is determined to finish the 26-mile course though admits she will be walking much of it. ‘I should be sitting down and knitting – not running a marathon!’
Sarcoma UK’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Kerry Reeves-Kneip, said: ‘Ann’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. To go from being told she might never run again to taking on the 26-mile London Marathon not once but twice exemplifies the extraordinary determination that can emerge in the face of sarcoma. Her story gives hope to patients across the country who are battling this rare and challenging cancer.
‘While stories like Ann’s fill us with optimism, they also highlight the urgent need for greater investment in sarcoma research. With only about 525 cases of leiomyosarcoma diagnosed annually in England, these rare cancers often receive less attention and funding than more common forms of cancer. Earlier diagnosis and improved treatment options are possible, but only with dedicated research resources. Ann’s fundraising efforts will directly support our work to develop better treatments, improve diagnostic pathways, and ultimately save more lives affected by sarcoma.’
To donate to Ann, go to Lesley Ann Caldicott is fundraising for Sarcoma UK
