A WOMAN battling cancer is tackling the London Marathon to raise money for a charity which has supported her.

Zoe Bailey is taking part in the world-famous run, on April 21, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 35-year-old, originally from Keighley and now of Silsden, was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in March last year.

"I'd had numerous endometrial polyps throughout my adult life which have always been benign," says Zoe.

"My partner and I were starting fertility treatment when they were discovered for a fifth time. They were removed and routinely biopsied. When my consultant called and asked us to come to the hospital I thought it was nothing. To be told I had cancer was a gigantic shock. There'd been no symptoms at all."

Zoe, a physiotherapist at Bradford Royal Infirmary, adds: "I am currently on hormone treatment, as my cancer is oestrogen receptive. It is a medical menopause, with the brain fog being the worst symptom.

"I have biopsies every three months, which have all been negative so far, and after a year of treatment – if all clear – I can try IVF. There are risks and a time limit on this, as the cancer can return once my oestrogen returns, but the cure is a hysterotomy which is in my future at some point."

Zoe married her now-husband Chris last September.

"Being diagnosed with cancer five months before our wedding was not ideal as I was consumed in planning the best day of our lives," she says.

"Also, I was told the medication could increase weight – I spent five months panicking my wedding dress wouldn't fit, but thankfully it did!"

She pays tribute to the support provided by Macmillan.

"They offered guidance and help online and connected me with people in similar situations," says Zoe.

"My Macmillan nurse at Airedale was fantastic, arranging appointments and keeping me up to date on discussions between my consultants. Macmillan also put me in contact with other cancer charities which could provide support if needed."

Zoe says training for the marathon has provided a welcome distraction.

"I've been a runner for a while but the marathon is completely new to me," she says.

"However I've always wanted to run the London Marathon, so I'm really excited.

"The training has kept me busy and distracts me from worrying about other things."

Zoe has an online fundraising page, at justgiving.com/fundraising/zoetakesonthemarathon