Running…while my son is on chemo

Ep6, S2 - Why Run? podcast - 16 January 2023

At the end of 2021, life took a dramatic turn for Jen and her family. After months of tests, Jen’s five year old son Eshan was diagnosed with a chromozone disorder - neurofibromatosis  or NF-1 – on New Year’s Day.

The reason that Jen and her husband had taken Eshan for tests – was because he was losing his sight – and it turned out that their little boy had a tumour on his optic nerve. Having NF-1 means that Eshan will be susceptible to internal tumours throughout his life.

Facing such a diagnosis has been heart-breaking, but as Jen says in her interview: “as a mum, you can surprise yourself … you find strength somewhere. You have to keep going to look after your family.”

Jen started running regularly a few years ago after completing the Couch to 5k with a running group. But it has taken on a new significance since Eashan’s diagnosis.

Jen says it has been her running through this period that has given her strength… “a pause button” on a very stressful and emotional time.  She says that without it, she would be in a very dark place.

Whilst Eshan is having chemo, Jen has committed to run 100k a month. She also ran the Great North Run last year, raising £5,000 for her son’s oncology award.

Follow Jen on Instagram