Salisbury mum running London Marathon to support Stars Appeal

Jo Cullen, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, wanted to run the marathon on Sunday, April 21, to “give back” to the Breast Unit at Salisbury District Hospital for the care she received.

The 50-year-old did a virtual London Marathon in 2020 so this will be her first time doing the event in London.

She had been due to run it in 2022 but was forced to pull out after receiving her cancer diagnosis.

“Getting my cancer diagnosis was a big shock but I was very lucky to catch it early,” explained Jo, who had surgery to remove the lump followed by a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

“Nearly two years after my diagnosis, with all my treatment behind me, I am finally able to run the London Marathon after having to defer my entry twice due to surgery. I just want to finish and raise as much money as I can for the Breast Unit.”

Jo Cullen with the breast care team. (Image: Stars Appeal)

The Stars Appeal Breast Unit, which opened in 2017, is Salisbury Hospital’s first-ever dedicated unit for breast patients providing dedicated diagnostic equipment along with treatment and counselling rooms in a beautifully furnished and dignified environment.

It enables patients to have their diagnosis and follow-up care delivered in one place, reducing the need for patients to visit other departments in the hospital.

Jo said the unit's nurses and consultants were "absolutely amazing" from the point of diagnosis to the final operation.

"They are still at the end of the phone to answer any questions or concerns. It feels like you’re not alone, and they’ve got you under their wing," she added.

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Jo also praised the lovely décor and furnishings in the unit, which she says make it feel “very special”.

“I’m so grateful for all the work the Stars Appeal do. It is vital to people like me to have places like the Breast Unit. I really felt strongly about raising money for the Stars Appeal and to give back to a charity that has helped me and hundreds of other people,” said Jo.

Sophie Bagshaw, from Ludgershall, is on placement at Salisbury Hospital as part of her adult nursing degree at Bournemouth University.

Sophie Bagshaw, who is on placement at Salisbury Hospital, will also run the marathon. (Image: Stars Appeal)

The 20-year-old will be running her first London Marathon in support of the Stars Appeal.

Sophie said: “While doing my placement at the hospital it was a surprise to me how much was funded by the Stars Appeal and I wanted to contribute.

"Salisbury is also my local hospital that I’ve used for years so I wanted to give back.”