Marlow cancer survivor's inspiring story told on Mother's Day card in Tesco

Natalie Hall’s inspiring story will be told in the card which aims to connect with and support people affected by the disease, while raising vital funds.

It has been designed by UK Greetings and is on sale in Tesco stores and at tesco.com now as part of the supermarket giant’s ongoing support of Race for Life.

The card is on sale in Tesco

Money raised through Race for Life events funds world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.  

Natalie, 46, who owns a dance school and is also now a Cancer Exercise Specialist, knows exactly how vital it is to keep raising funds for life saving research after a lump she discovered in January 2019 turned out to be breast cancer.

Natalie said: “At first I thought it was hormonal but it felt sore and was about an inch long so I asked for a GP appointment.

"I went to the breast clinic and had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy and finally had a meeting with a consultant who started talking about radiotherapy and other treatment options.

“I asked if she thought it was breast cancer and she said, ‘yes’ and she was sorry it wasn’t better news for me. I was numb with shock.

“I am a keen runner and when she asked me if I had any questions, I asked if I could still run the races I was training for!

"Then when the doctor held my hand, I began to process what she was saying and tears started to roll down my cheeks.

“The hospital recommended I told my children Evie, 11 and Gracie, 9, so I explained my diagnosis to them in an upbeat way and my youngest asked if it was the type of cancer you die from.

"I told her it wasn’t. At that time I didn’t know how aggressive my cancer was and that it had spread to my lymph nodes and invaded my blood.

“Originally, I had a lumpectomy and was prescribed eight rounds of chemotherapy but genetic tests revealed I was positive for the BRCA 2 gene which increases the risk of cancer so eight more chemotherapy treatments were added.

“I received this news just as I was about to pick my daughters up from school and on the same day, my hair started falling out. I was devastated they could carry the faulty gene too.

“Throughout my treatment, running kept me sane. I ran the 4.5 miles to most of my chemo sessions and hospital appointments and signed up to do Race for Life that summer.

“I had taken part three times previously and was going to do this one with my daughters. I ended up having to have surgery just before, so I couldn’t run but I was overwhelmed by support from friends offering to run with my girls instead.

“In the end I was cheerleader to a big group of friends with children. It was a wonderful experience for all and between us we raised lots of money.”

The card tells Natalie's story

Cancer Research UK played an important role in the discovery of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes with faults in these genes increasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

People with a family history of the disease can find out whether they have these genetic faults and may choose to take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer.

Natalie said: “I’ve since had a preventative double mastectomy, an oophorectomy to remove my ovaries and I’ve had my axillary lymph nodes removed to reduce any risk of the cancer returning. I am also on daily medication for 10 years that Cancer Research UK helped to develop.

“I’m now in remission and plan to take part in Race for Life once again.”

Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Charity Campaigns at Tesco said: “We hope these cards will inspire others facing cancer and the money they raise will make a difference to so many lives.

“For the last 21 years, our partnership with Cancer Research UK has helped to raise millions of pounds for life-saving research. We hope Race for Life across the UK this year can be the biggest yet.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research. 

Every year around 55,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.

Money raised at Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Elisa Mitchell Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Buckinghamshire, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Natalie and Tesco for their support.

“By purchasing one of the Mother’s Day cards, people can make a difference in the fight against cancer.

 “Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life. Together we will beat cancer.”

The Mother’s Day card, which is priced from £1, is on sale until March 27.