Portsmouth Woman Defies Odds, Runs London Marathon After Cancer Battle
Amelia Mason, a 20-year-old from Portsmouth, is preparing to run the London Marathon after overcoming a life-changing bone cancer diagnosis and amputation. Her journey began in October 2019 when she was just 14, experiencing symptoms like a large lump on her right leg, nausea, fatigue, night sweats, leg pain, and loss of appetite.
Mother's Instinct Leads to Critical Diagnosis
In January 2020, after Amelia's mother noticed the lump, she took her to a minor injuries unit for an X-ray. The next day, a GP told Amelia she was "fine", but her mother sought a second opinion at Queen Alexandra Hospital. There, Amelia was diagnosed with a bone tumour and warned she might need her leg amputated.
Months of chemotherapy in 2020 failed to significantly shrink the tumour, leading to an above-the-knee amputation. At age 15, Amelia was given the all-clear from cancer, marking the start of her recovery and adaptation to life with a prosthetic leg.
Overcoming Health Anxiety and Embracing Positivity
Now an architecture student at Arts University Bournemouth, Amelia manages health anxiety triggered by memories of chemotherapy. She shared, "I overthink a lot which is hard but therapy has helped a lot." Despite this, she reflects positively on her experience, stating, "I wouldn't go back and have two legs, because I think that having the amputation, and having cancer in general, has made me such a positive person, and I’m happier and more confident."
Training for the London Marathon
Determined to push herself further, Amelia is training for the London Marathon to raise funds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust. She aims to prove that nothing can hold her back, returning to school and starting university in 2025 while adapting to regular pain and her prosthetic.
Her story highlights the importance of second opinions in medical care and the power of resilience in facing health challenges. Amelia's courageous spirit serves as an inspiration to others battling similar adversities.
