'My cancer recovery plan led to a year-long challenge'

A woman from Sheffield is hoping to end a year of sporting challenges in style with a three-legged Christmas race through the city.

Joanne Graham, 50, was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2024 after discovering a line across her nipple whilst on holiday in Spain.

Following a mastectomy and hormone treatment, the personal trainer committed to 12 physical challenges in 12 months to raise money for a breast cancer charity and to mark her cancer remission.

Mrs Graham said: "I think it's really easy to feel sorry for yourself and fall into a trap where you're not doing anything, and that makes you feel worse.

"I thought, I've got to do something, and it's the best thing I've ever done."

Mrs Graham was initially sent for a mammogram at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield after being referred by her local GP.

"I was looking through a different mirror in a different light and I noticed there was a line across my right nipple that I hadn't noticed before," she said.

"I came back from holiday and thought, should I get that checked out? Am I being stupid?"

A scan picked up four nodules and she was told a mastectomy was required.

"I'd spent so much time in the gym to try and prevent getting anything like cancer, and I was gutted," she said.

Mrs Graham's cancer was linked to oestrogen levels, which meant as well as hormone therapy her ovaries also needed to be removed.

After the operation in April, she found herself feeling restless.

"I'd put on a bit of weight and I just thought I've got to do something here," she said.

"The only way I'm going to do it is if I challenge myself."

Mrs Graham's husband Scott admitted what initially started as a fitness schedule soon "got out of hand".

"It started as a 100m walk to see if she could manage that," he said.

"She had drains coming out of her after reconstructive surgery, but we kept on increasing the distance.

"We thought, why not raise awareness about what people can achieve but also raise money for charity."

Breast Cancer Now supported the mother-of-two through surgery and "had all the information I needed" at an "overwhelming" time, Mrs Graham said.

Since starting in June, she has completed 10k runs in Windsor and Sheffield and climbed Scottish peak Ben Nevis.

Mr Graham, a martial arts instructor, joined her for the Sheffield 10k and ran with a 20kg fridge strapped to his back.

In October, he also completed a 50-mile walk from their home in Crookes.

The challenges will continue to ramp up into 2026 with a half marathon in Bridlington, a hike up Tryfan in North Wales and a 12-hour zumba and yoga class.

The couple will also take on the London Marathon for the second time in April.

On Saturday, the pair will enter "unchartered territory" with a three-legged pub crawl around Crookes and Broomhill strapped to friends.

The route will also stop at Alexander Court care home, where Mrs Graham's father Jack Twigg was cared for before he died from cancer.

The couple, who are still deciding on a final celebration challenge set for May, have raised about £4,000 so far for the breast cancer charity.

"There's time when she struggles of course, but we give each other drive," Mr Graham added.

"Pride doesn't even cover it."

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