When she was struck down by a rare form of cancer, super-fit Rebecca Hind vowed to fight back.
But having beaten it once, she has just learned the disease has returned with a vengeance.
Now the 35-year-old from Penrith is pinning her hopes on clinical trials – while raising thousands for the hospital charity that has helped her and others cope with the devastating illness.
Rebecca was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei in early 2019.
Typically affecting just one in a million people, it’s a cancer which starts in the appendix and then spreads through the internal organs.
After undergoing major surgery and eight bouts of chemotherapy she was given the all clear last summer, only to be told last February that the cancer had returned and was inoperable.
“It’s just one of those things that makes no sense,” she said.
“I’ve always been really active, I love triathlons, I was an Outward Bound instructor – and then suddenly I’ve got cancer, I’m getting chemo, and going through the mother of all surgeries to have most of my abdominal organs removed.
“Then you think you’ve beaten it, only to be told it’s back and that treatment options are now limited to any clinical trials that might be developed.
“Who knows when that might be? But in the meantime, I’m not going to just sit around and do nothing.”
Since her diagnosis two years ago, Rebecca – Bex to her family and friends – has campaigned to raise funds for a charity run by the Christie hospital in Manchester where she was first treated.
Now, having already raised £10,000, she aims to raise even more by staging a Swimathon 4 Bex event at Lazonby Outdoor Swimming Pool later month.
“The Christie is a world-leading cancer hospital and the charity provides enhanced care to patients above and beyond what they can expect on the NHS,” Rebecca said. “Whatever we can do to raise much-needed funds will go a long way towards ensuring it keeps up its vital work.”
The event is due to take place on September 30, and the call has gone out for competitors in teams for the event, donations and gifts of any size for a raffle that will be drawn on the day.
“Your generosity will be invaluable, helping the Christie hospital and ultimately giving patients hope for the future,” Rebecca said.
For more more information about the event, email swimathonforbex@gmail.com
There is also a JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Swimathon-for-Bex-2
