Sheffield student to run half marathon for cancer-free anniversary

A university student from Sheffield is set to mark one year cancer free by running a half marathon.

Ella Burns, 21, will run the London Landmarks half marathon in April – just 15 months after being given the all-clear from a rare bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma.

The first-year biological sciences student will be running to fundraise for Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Ella told The Sheffield Tab that she is “looking forward” to the upcoming challenge, and has been training regularly to build back up from having “no fitness at all” and having been able to “move so little for so long” during treatment.

“It definitely took quite a lot of motivation and willpower,” she said. “A lot of it as well was if I got through all of that last year, then I can get through a run – so that helped me with that sort of mindset.”

She received the cancer diagnosis in 2023 after seeking medical advice about a nearly year-long issue with “a bit of a swollen finger”.

Following subsequent examinations, the cause of this was found to be Ewing Sarcoma – which affects bones and soft tissue, although is more common in longer bones such as arms and legs.

“I didn’t notice it for so long and waited to get it checked out,” she explains. “So I also hope to raise awareness so people can spot the signs of cancer early, to help get a diagnosis sooner, and to get things checked whenever they have concerns.”

via Ella Burns

Over eight months, Ella underwent 14 rounds of chemotherapy, as well as surgery to amputate her finger in order to stop the spread of the disease.

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The funds raised for Bone Cancer Research Trust through the half marathon will go towards supporting others with the disease and research of new treatments – especially important as treatments for bone cancer have remained largely unchanged for more than four decades.

“It’s quite a rare cancer, so a lot of the time not that many funds go towards progressing drugs, treatment strategies, and diagnoses. I want to do all I can to try and progress that.”

Ella’s fundraising total currently stands £5,500, with a new £6,000 target on the horizon. This has far exceeded the initial goal of raising £2,000 – something which she is “really, really grateful” for.

“It’s amazing – I honestly did not imagine we would raise that much.

“I just feel so grateful to all the people that supported, all my friends and family, and anybody that has seen it and wanted to support such like an important cause.”

Ella with her parents, and with her sister (via Ella Burns)

Joining her on the half marathon will be her parents, with her sister, Meg, also supporting from the sidelines.

Ella added: “They’ve been the most amazing support the whole way through. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

If you wish to donate, you can do so via this link.

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