Cancer Champion shares journey with cancer diagnosis
Dilys Fullerton, who hails from Lawley, is using her own experience of breast cancer to encourage others to talk about their health and keep up to date with cancer screening. She recently shared her story with Telford & Wrekin Council, highlighting just how important early diagnosis can be, and the life-changing skills that can be gained through training to be a Lingen Davies Cancer Champion.
Dilys was training for ultramarathons and generally feeling fit and healthy when she noticed she, “just wasn’t feeling quite right”. After completing a marathon, she visited her GP who reminded her she was due for a routine mammogram. That appointment revealed breast cancer.
“It was a real shock,” Dilys said. “I was so lucky to be in the screening programme. If I’d waited three more years, it could have been a very different story.”
Keen to help others, Dilys reached out to Lingen Davies Cancer Support to see what she could do to help spread awareness through the charity which had such a big impact on her throughout her cancer journey. After discussing the Cancer Champions programme with the team, Dilys decided to go ahead and complete the training. She says the role is simple but powerful: sharing clear, up-to-date information about symptoms, screening, and support so people feel confident talking about cancer.
“Kerry and the team are just lovely,” she said. “The training gives you real, current information and you never know who might need it.”
Dilys has already passed what she’s learned on to colleagues and community contacts, especially those working with vulnerable young adults and young mums. She believes every conversation counts, which supports the primary focus of the Cancer Champions programme.
“If even one person goes for their screening because of something I’ve shared, that’s enough. Small ripples can make a big difference.”
Kerry from the Lingen Davies LiveLife team said, “Lingen Davies is proud to have Dilys as part of our Cancer Champions network, helping create those ripples across our community and we thank her for speaking so openly about her experience.”
If you are interested in becoming a Cancer Champion yourself, please visit: www.cancerchampions.co.uk
To watch the full video from Telford & Wrekin Council, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhBO9Y4YaBo
