My body is amazing because...
13/05/2019
During Mental Health Awarness Week, Nicola from the Finance Team, Witney office tells us a bit about why her body is so amazing. "Mental ill health can be triggered by so many different things. In Feb 2015 my mental health was tested to the max, I was 5 months into studying for a degree and training for the Prudential 100 mile bike ride around London and Surrey later that year, when overnight my body became a victim of the dreaded C word. The year I was looking forward to was shattered. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma on February 10th 2015.
Six months of intense Chemo and Radiotherapy meant giving up my place on the ride. Travelling to Coventry to University became a struggle. Fortunately, my other half was allowed to take my place on the ride. Along with both my parents and 2 other friends, he rode not only for me but also to raise money for Bloodwise, a charity who specialise in research into blood cancers.
I'm very pleased to say they all crossed the finish line in remarkable times. As for my degree, I was determined not to let this disease take over my life, I was sent the lectures to study from home and even sat in hospital on chemo days taking exams. In October 2018, I graduated from University with a first class hons degree.
My journey was a rollercoaster ride throughout, I had good days, bad days and days I locked myself in my bedroom because I didn't want to see anyone. However as strange as you might think the day that was a complete high to everyone around me was my worst day; 1st November 2018, the day I was discharged from hospital. Even though my cancer has gone, the battle with my mental health continues but my body is amazing because it helped me beat cancer."