Katie Blackwood, from Plymouth, was a new mum when she was diagnosed with a rare abdominal cancer. After a distressing period imagining her family’s future without her, the 34-year-old underwent major surgery at The Christie, a specialist cancer centre in Manchester.

Four years on, Katie is training for the adidas Manchester Marathon on 19th April and has shared her story – from her operation, dubbed ‘The Mother of All Surgeries’, to her new connection with The Christie and the city of Manchester.

Words by Katie Blackwood.

“My name is Katie. I’m a ICU Rehabilitation Nurse living in Plymouth, and you’ll usually find me running around with my husband after our Pokémon-obsessed 5-year-old son!

I’ve always enjoyed being active. In my twenties, I was a running powerhouse. I trained twice weekly with my running group ‘Storm’ and took part in everything from weekly parkruns to marathons.

All of that changed in October 2021, right after my son’s first birthday. I was diagnosed with a rare abdominal cancer called Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, which had spread from my appendix.  The consultation felt like a grenade had detonated in my life. Each ‘mummy milestone’ felt like my first and last. The future seemed uncertain, and every moment raw and precious.

As my disease was incredibly rare, I needed treatment at one of the few specialist centres in the country. For me, The Christie was like a lighthouse in a storm. Their compassion translated into hope, and in 2022, I underwent an operation nicknamed ‘The Mother of All Surgeries’. They removed 8 organs and washed-out my abdomen with hot chemotherapy. I am greatly blessed to have gained a second chance in life from their incredible expertise.

Cancer survivorship is hard. Your fight has been on display, but the aftermath is invisible. You mourn the person you once were and rebuild life in a body you don’t recognise. I have learned to navigate pain, fatigue, surgical menopause and anxiety with self-compassion. I now wear my long scar with pride, but it does not define me. All we can do is live our best life for any given day and make memories with those we love.

I return to Manchester every year for The Christie’s ‘Patient Days’. I still see the amazing hospital staff and the ‘cancer club’ of friends I’ve made. Every visit feels like coming home to reunite with family! I have been in remission 3 years now and in April I will take on the adidas Manchester Marathon. Nothing would make me happier than to run 26.2 miles with my brother in this city which has become so special to me.

Unfortunately, rare cancers are often misdiagnosed and under-researched. Appendix cancer rates have also risen significantly, especially amongst younger adults. This is why I’m raising money for the Christie’s Colorectal and Peritoneal Oncology Centre (CPOC) to fund research into innovative new treatments. Supporting their world-class clinical trials truly makes a difference in the lives of those living with cancer”.

Thank you, Katie, for sharing your inspiring story.

Have you got your own place in the adidas Manchester Marathon? Join The Christie charity team below.

You can also support Katie directly on her fundraising journey by donating to her JustGiving page: