Uni of Leeds professor to run Everest Marathon despite terminal cancer

A University of Leeds professor is set to run the Everest Marathon despite a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Dr Shaunna Burke, 49, from West Yorkshire, had planned to participate in the world’s highest marathon in 2024. Her plans were delayed once she received a diagnosis of stage four breast cancer.

According to the BBC, the cancer spread to her liver, and in the past year, she has undergone various treatments. This has included four months of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, liver surgery and radiotherapy.

Shaunna is an avid mountaineer who has summited some of the highest peaks in the world. This includes Elbrus in Russia, Kilimanjaro in Africa and Everest in Nepal. She has visited Everest’s region three times.

The Leeds professor is vocal about her goal to fight cancer, believing that having a background in exercise and health psychology has impacted how she has navigated her diagnosis. She said: “I approached it with the mentality of a researcher in exercise and cancer.’’

“There were some very dark moments when I didn’t know what I’d be facing,” Shaunna added. Despite these challenges, she opted to proceed with the run later this year.

The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon is an annual event. It is a high altitude race with 250 participants each year. It will be held on 29th May.

via Pixabay

After each treatment, Shaunna would run at least three miles, alongside continuing to train at OTE Performance Centre, and at the Altitude Chamber in Leeds ahead of the marathon.

She said: “Staying active helped me to tolerate my treatment – I experienced few side effects, and it also helped me psychologically.”

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Shaunna is heading to Nepal on 15th May, where she’ll take on a 6,119 metre (20,075 ft) climb of Lobuche Peak before the marathon.

The challenging ascent, which requires both technical skill and acclimatisation to high altitude, is part of her preparation for the race ahead.

Her research at the Uni of Leeds has been supported by notable charities including Macmillan, Yorkshire Cancer Research and Cancer Research UK. Her work encourages those undergoing cancer treatment to keep active.

Shaunna has already raised over £7,000 for the cancer charity Macmillan, which supported her during her treatment at Airedale Hospital and St James’ Hospital in Leeds.

Ahead of her run she has received the backing of Macmillan.

Lisa Martin, relationship fundraising lead for Macmillan, said: “This is a monumental challenge, and we are behind Shaunna all the way.’’

You can support Shaunna through her JustGiving page.

Featured images via Pixabay and Instagram