Finding Independence Again Through Running
Moira Jordan, a secondary school teacher from south-east London, faced a life-altering diagnosis in March 2023: triple positive breast cancer. After discovering a thickening at the edge of her breast, she embarked on an arduous medical journey that included eight rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy with reconstruction, radiotherapy, and later, medical menopause. Yet, two years after surgery, she found a path back to independence through something simple and powerful: running.
From Diagnosis to a New Goal
Moira’s story is a testament to resilience. The decision to pursue preventative surgery had loomed since 2015, when she learned she carried the BRCA gene, a mutation linked to higher risks of breast and ovarian cancer. Her mother’s battle with ovarian cancer years earlier underscored the family history that defined her choices. Cancer interrupted life plans that many of her peers were pursuing—travelling, starting families, or building careers. But she refused to let the disease determine her future.
Rebuilding with Healthcare Support
After nearly two years of hospital visits, a targeted physiotherapy programme at Guy’s Hospital became a turning point. The therapy helped her regain physical strength and, crucially, rebuild confidence. Her medical team encouraged setting small, achievable goals, gradually expanding them as strength returned. That incremental approach opened the door to running—a form of exercise she could measure, pursue, and own again.
Running as a Recovery Milestone
Moira’s return to running was more than physical rehabilitation. It was a personal reassertion of independence and achievement—attributes that cancer had temporarily taken away. She describes running as a bookmark in her life, a clear marker between the darkest days of treatment and the resilience she has built since. Her first stride back was symbolic: a moment when she reclaimed control over her body and her routine.
A Community of Support
She joined a broader community of runners and cancer supporters, including CoppaFeel, the UK charity dedicated to youth-focused breast cancer awareness. CoppaFeel champions chest-checking education and advocates for early detection, a mission Moira passionately endorses. The charity’s work complements Moira’s own goals: to teach young people what normal feels like and to empower them to seek help if something feels off.
The Royal Parks Half Marathon: A Purposeful Run
Moira joined 16,000 runners in the Royal Parks Half Marathon, running to raise funds for CoppaFeel. Her participation carried dual significance: it celebrated her personal recovery and amplified a vital message about breast cancer awareness among younger generations. The race served as a tangible milestone—proof that endurance can coexist with healing, and that community support can amplify personal victory.
Why Education and Early Detection Matter
Moira emphasizes the schools’ role in teaching students what is normal for their bodies, both physically and mentally. Early education helps young people spot changes that could signal a health issue. Becca-Jayne Schofield of CoppaFeel notes that around 2,400 women under 49 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, and there is currently no routine NHS screening for this age group. Building a habit of chest checks and encouraging GP visits when something feels unusual are critical steps in reducing delays in diagnosis.
A Message of Hope for Young People
Moira’s story is not just about surviving cancer; it’s about reclaiming independence and living with purpose after treatment. Running provided a structured goal, a reliable routine, and a community that cheered every step forward. For anyone navigating cancer treatment or recovery, the message is clear: small, consistent steps—whether a short jog or a longer training plan—can rebuild confidence, fitness, and independence over time.
Key Takeaways
- Running can be a powerful tool in physical and mental recovery after cancer treatment.
- Setting achievable goals with healthcare teams can restore confidence and independence.
- Education about chest-checking is vital for younger people, as early detection saves lives.
- Community support from charities like CoppaFeel enhances awareness and funds for critical research and education.
Moira’s journey illustrates how sport, medicine, and education can converge to empower survivors and inspire a generation to take charge of their health.
