Running together through challenge and recovery - Sue and Tony's story

For many people, running marks the start of a healthier, more active life. But for Sue and Tony, two Run Leader Mentors, running became something bigger – a source of strength during illness, a way to process the hardest news and a reminder of the power of a strong community.

Their stories begin in different places but they both tell us a story of resilience, purpose and connection.

Finding their way back to running

Both Sue and Tony rediscovered running later in life. Tony had a successful school athletics career in distances from 800m to 5000 meters but it wasn’t until 2015 that he decided to start running again. For Sue, it wasn’t until her 50s that she found her love for running again after her role as a medic Gamesmaker in the 2012 Olympics, “what I saw, particularly amongst the disabled athletes inspired me on to really get into running, something I thought I wouldn't be able to do as I had been diagnosed with MS. I quickly found joy in how it made me feel both physically and mentally, I found new friends and began entering events.”

This re-found love for running lead both Tony and Sue to quickly transition to running club members, with Tony setting up a new running club in 2020 and becoming a qualified Leader in Running Fitness, and Sue being an integral part of setting up the West Berkshire Run Together social running group, where she was asked to be the voluntary lead.

Life changing news

In early 2025, both Tony and Sue faced sudden life-changing diagnoses. Tony became ill in 2023, when his running suffered massively. Fast forward to 2025 and his illness was so severe that his running stopped completely. Tony told us, “After many doctor and hospital visits, tests and scans, they found a major blockage of my small bowel requiring urgent surgery as it was killing me.”

In June Tony received successful surgery to remove the tumour and was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer, which he now has monthly treatments for. “My prior fitness was a major factor in my recovery period. Mentally it was a huge barrier as being diagnosed with the ‘C’ word can be destroying.”

Sue was in the midst of training for her 9th London Marathon when she received the shock diagnosis of breast cancer after a routine mammogram. Sue told us, “My treatment included two rounds of surgery, radiotherapy, mammograms and medication for the next five years. My consultant was wonderful, employing a surgical technique that she hoped would help me get back to running earlier, she knew how important it was to me.”

Held up by their running communities

Where their stories truly intertwine is the support they received from their RunTogether communities. Tony’s group rallied straight away:

“My local running group reached out to me right from the start of my treatment and recovery encouraging me every day. This helped hugely in my mental wellbeing, health and general ‘feel good factor’.”

Sue’s group adapted with instinctive care:

“I told my groups everything, and they just stood with me and walked with me, slow run/walked with me and then ran with me when I could. The trauma of being told, then the treatment does stay with you, and you need to talk, which is very important. Some of my runners did regular check ins on me, which was lovely, and made me really feel like I was not on my own.”

Both describe their groups not just as running partners but as emotional anchors – checking in, listening and reminding them they weren’t facing this alone. RunTogether doesn’t just provide support with running, it goes beyond that into all walks of life.

Adapting and moving forward

Recovery wasn’t straightforward for either Sue or Tony. Fatigue, fear, and the emotional weight of cancer made progress unpredictable, and both had to reshape what running looked like for them. Tony focused on mindset and acceptance:

“I put a positive spin onto my cancer; it will NOT beat me! Being thankful that I CAN run, taking each day as it comes and listening to your body. It doesn't matter if you can't run one day there is always another day.”

Sue discovered that healing would take longer than she expected: “I hadn't fully realised how much fatigue I would have and for how long. It is only now seven months after my last radiotherapy that I am feeling more energetic. I also had great support from Tracy Francis at England Athletics, sending me things to read and helping me believe I could get back to it.”

Each learned to celebrate the small wins, a short walk or gentle run, a day with a little more energy. With recovery came a newfound desire to help others. For Tony, it has shaped the way he approaches staying active and supporting others, giving him deeper empathy and understanding. Sue has channelled her own journey into action, helping establish a local 5K Your Way group for people affected by cancer.

For both, adapting to illness didn’t just change how they run, it changed why they run. Their experiences have strengthened their purpose, shaped their leadership, and deepened their commitment to supporting others through whatever life throws at them.

Looking ahead

Today, Sue is training once again for her deferred London Marathon, feeling a little stronger and more energetic with each passing day, while Tony continues with his monthly treatment but runs when he can, approaching each step with gratitude and determination.

Their stories, different yet connected, capture the heart of RunTogether: a community where no one runs alone, where movement supports both physical and emotional healing, and where every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.

If you would like further guidance on exercising safely during or after cancer treatment, we have included some useful links below:

• Exercising safely with cancer - Macmillan
• Physical activity, exercise and breast cancer - Breast Cancer Now
• Physical activity after bowel cancer - Bowel Cancer UK

If Sue and Tony’s stories have inspired you, you’re not alone. RunTogether groups across the country welcome runners of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities - whether you’re starting out, returning after time away, or looking for support during life’s ups and downs.