A Blackburn man who lost his beloved sister to secondary breast cancer is to run a marathon wearing a 20kg weighted vest.

Shane Mitchell, from Mill Hill, is aiming to raise £2,500 for Breast Cancer Now in memory of his sister Michelle Whiteman who died last year. 

The 24-year-old business support officer is taking part in this year’s 26.2 mile TCS London Marathon.

The money will help to fund research and support for those affected by secondary breast cancer.

Secondary (or metastatic) breast cancer is when breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, becoming incurable.

It most commonly spreads to the bones, brain, lungs, or liver.

Mum-of-three Michelle was first diagnosed with primary breast cancer in July 2019.

Although her initial treatment was successful, in July 2022 she was told her cancer had spread and was incurable.

She died just three months later, aged 38.

Shane said: “Finding out Michelle’s cancer had spread was devastating, but I don’t think any of us expected to lose her so soon.

"Seeing what Michelle went through in her treatment and how positive she stayed despite her daily battles with pain really inspired me and forced a change in my own mindset.

“I took up running and became involved with a sport called Cross Fit, and actually lost 30kg.”

The last three weeks of Michelle’s life was spent in a hospice.

Shane said Michelle’s positivity and humour brought light in a sad time.

He said: “Despite what she was going through, she carried everyone else.

“She kept us afloat, which is why I will be running all 26.2 miles in a Bulldog Tactical Weight Vest as a tribute to Michelle and the way she carried us all during what was, quite literally, a battle for her life.

“I just hope I can do her proud.”

Rebecca Highfield, senior events manager at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Shane and the hundreds of runners taking part in the TCS London Marathon this April.

“Their fantastic fundraising efforts will make a real difference to the lives of those affected by breast cancer.”

There are an estimated 61,000 people living with secondary breast cancer in the UK.

In around 5% of women, breast cancer has already spread by the time it is diagnosed.

It cannot be cured but there are treatments that can help control certain forms of the disease for some time and relieve symptoms.

To donate, please visit justgiving.com and search Shane Mitchell.

To join Breast Cancer Now’s London Marathon team with an existing ballot place for this year or to apply for 2024, please visit: https://breastcancernow.org/get-involved/sports-adventure

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